Chronic pain can be caused by myriad diseases and in turn can cause different types of pain. Whether it is chronic joint pain such as arthrosis and polyarthritis rheumatoid, chronic headaches such as migraines, chronic pelvic pain, or generalized pain such as fibromyalgia, these kinds of issues have a negative impact on both the physical and psychological well-being of the person affected.
Thankfully, there are alternative treatments to traditional medicine that have proven efficient in treating these kinds of pain.
What is chronic pain?
Contrary to acute pain, which is the symptom of a disease or a health problem, chronic pain has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004 as a disease in its own right. In Quebec, 1.5 million people suffer from chronic pain.
Because it is recurring, chronic pain, in addition to limiting a person’s physical abilities, can also negatively affect their psychological well-being. In fact, constantly dealing with pain can severely affect their morale.
There are many causes of chronic pain. Often, it is a condition that affects the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, or the visceral motor system.
To better understand the conditions that cause chronic pain, the Association Québécoise de la douleur chronique has put together an index of diseases. (http://www.douleurchronique.org/content_new.asp?node=126&lang=en)
Osteopathy for relieving chronic pain
Osteopathy is a discipline that can provide several treatment options to relieve chronic pain. The goal of the treatment is to improve the patient’s quality of life and limit the pain’s negative impact on their daily activities.
Osteopathy stems from the principle that the body’s three major systems – the musculoskeletal system, visceral motor system, and neuroendocrine system – are all interconnected. Therefore, pain in your joints could be caused by a problem in a specific organ.
The osteopath will assess the patient’s body in order to detect any imbalances and determine the best ways to restore the body’s physical functions.
Osteopaths will often use fasciatherapy to treat chronic pain. Fascia are a connective tissue that form an envelope around muscles, ligaments, and organs. They allow every part of the body to move independently. Chronic pain may be due to an imbalance in the body’s fascia.
There are several different therapeutic treatments that can be prescribed, but their goal remains the same: to relieve the patient’s pain and help them feel better in their daily life.
Acupuncture for treating chronic pain
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine. It has become increasingly popular for treating a wide variety of issues, including chronic pain.
In fact, studies have shown the efficiency of acupuncture for relieving pain and improving the overall comfort of someone affected by migraines or arthrosis. In some cases, acupuncture treatments were much more efficient at treating pain then medication.
Acupuncture is based on the principle that there are energy channels throughout the body. By placing needles in precise locations, the acupuncturist can modify the way the energy circulates and relieve certain health problems. In Quebec, the practice is regulated by the Ordre des acupuncteurs du Québec.
Clinique GO™ provides osteopathy and acupuncture services at your home or in your workplace. Our team of professionals will travel to the location that suits you the most. Other specialists in our multidisciplinary mobile team can also intervene and improve the well-being of anyone affected by chronic pain (psychologist, massage therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, kinesiologist, nutritionist).
If chronic pain is affecting your mobility and makes sitting in a waiting room uncomfortable and stressful, call Clinique GO™ to get relief from your pain and tips for living a better life when affected by chronic pain. All without having to spend time on the road!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
