What Happens If Chronic Pain Is Left Untreated?

Living with chronic pain can feel like an endless struggle. It’s easy to put off treatment and hope the pain will go away on its own, but ignoring it could lead to even bigger problems down the road. 

Our pain specialists explain what causes chronic pain, what can happen if it’s left untreated, and the treatment options available to help you take back control of your life.

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain can stem from a lot of different things. That said, figuring out what’s causing it is the first step to finding relief. Here are a few common reasons it might happen: 

Injuries and Surgeries

Old injuries, like fractures or sprains, can leave lasting pain. Surgery, especially on the spine or joints, may also lead to chronic discomfort from nerve damage or scar tissue.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy are known to cause chronic pain. Autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis can also result in persistent pain because of inflammation.

Nerve Damage

Damage to the nerve can lead to neuropathic pain, which is typically described as burning, tingling, or shooting; this type of pain can be somewhat difficult to treat and may not respond to traditional pain relief methods.

Lifestyle Choices

Poor posture, lack of exercise, and extra weight can put stress on your body, especially your back and joints. Even smoking can slow down the healing process and make your pain worse. 

What Happens If Chronic Pain Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring your chronic pain can trigger a chain reaction that affects nearly every part of your life. Over time, your pain can become more intense, and the constant struggle of dealing with your discomfort could take a toll on your mental health and lead to anxiety and depression. 

If the pain worsens, some people start avoiding physical activity, which only hinders their mobility even more. Their sleep can also suffer and eventually cause chronic fatigue. Finally, to cope, some may rely on medications, which might bring unwanted side effects or even the risk of dependency. 

Complications of Pain

• Physical Limitations: Pain can make even simple tasks like walking, cooking, or getting dressed feel exhausting. Over time, a lack of movement can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, and a loss of independence. 
• Mental Health Issues: As mentioned above, dealing with pain every day can affect your mental health. It can also create a cycle where stress makes pain worse, and pain increases stress. 
• Social Isolation: When pain limits your ability to go out, meet friends, or participate in activities you once loved, it can lead to loneliness and feelings of disconnection; this isolation can, in turn, worsen mental health struggles. 
• Work-Related Challenges: Chronic pain can make it worse to concentrate, stay productive, or even show up for work regularly; this could lead to missed opportunities, career setbacks, or job loss, adding financial stress on top of everything else. 
• Health Care Costs: Frequent doctor visits, medications, therapy, and potential surgeries can add up quickly. For some, the cost of treatment can become a barrier to getting the care they need. 

If your pain feels like it’s taking over everything, know that you don’t have to manage it alone. Seeking treatment can help you regain control and improve your quality of life. 

Is There Treatment for Chronic Pain?

The good news is that, yes, there are plenty of treatment options out there that can help! Pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all; it often takes a mix of approaches to find what really works for you. That might include things like medication, physical therapy, or more advanced options like PRP therapy or extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). 

In some cases, targeted treatments like injections or even surgery might be part of the plan. The goal is to create a personalized approach that helps you feel better and get back to doing the things you love. It’s also important to share your full experience with your provider, including feelings of isolation, limited mobility, or how your pain affects your daily life. These details can help shape a more effective treatment plan. 

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of a strong support system. Having people around who understand what you’re going through can make a huge difference in your outlook and recovery. 

Don’t Let Your Chronic Pain Go Untreated! Contact Our Pain Specialists

Are you living with chronic pain? Getting help sooner rather than later can make all the difference. At Grace Point Pain Management, we know just how challenging it is to deal with pain every day, and we’re here to help. Our team creates personalized treatment plans designed just for you. 

Call 865-503-6865 today to book an appointment or learn more about our East Tennessee pain clinic!