8 Myths about Pain

Rebecca Lewis November 02, 2012

Every one of us suffers from pain at one point or another. Good thing, there are various treatments available today to relieve this debilitating feeling. But research shows that most of the things we believe about pain are false, which makes this condition even more painful.

Here are some common myths about pain and pain relief and the truth behind them:

1. Pain is all in my head

If you don’t think of it, you are not going to feel it. That’s what our parents and loved ones used to tell us when we are in pain. This is not actually true. Pain is more of a symptom. When something is painful, that means something is not well. Your feet might be aching because your muscles in that area are swollen, or it could be something more serious. However, there are some kinds of pain that has no known cause such as back pain. But just because it doesn’t have a cause doesn’t mean it’s not real.

2. It will go away soon so I just have to live with it.

Why suffer when there are countless options for pain relief? They range from prescription or over-the-counter painkillers to physiotherapy, exercise, herbal medicine, relaxation techniques, massage, acupuncture, and so on. You can not relieve the pain in a snap of your finger but you can do something to lessen it and make it disappear in the shortest possible time.

3. Pain is something I should just ignore

Ignoring an ongoing pain is never helpful. In fact, it may even get worse. If the pain does not go away after taking medications or undergoing therapy, it is advisable to see a health specialist. As mentioned, pain could be a symptom of an illness. The earlier you address it, the better.

4. Painkillers are bad for my health. It’s addictive too!

Any type of prescription medication has corresponding side effects. Opiates are very effective in treating pain and they can be administered to the patient safely. And although there are a few cases, majority of people who take opiate medications for pain relief do not develop addiction. If you are going to follow the prescription of the doctor, it is unlikely that you will have problems using opiate.

5. When it comes to pain, it should always be “mind over matter”.

Some people cope with the pain by diverting their attention to other things – house chores, watching TV, reading a book, etc. While it is effective for them, this doesn’t mean it’s effective for everybody. Others who try to push themselves to work or do other stuff end up experiencing more pain. Remember, in managing pain, rest is necessary.

6. He looks well; he could not be in pain.

Pain is an invisible sensation. Many people with chronic pain manage to go to work and do as much as they can in spite of their condition. But just because they look comfortable doesn’t mean they are well. More understanding must be given to people suffering from pain, as they are more likely to become irritable, angry, anxious, and even depressed.

7. When it comes to exercise – no pain, no gain.

There is no scientific evidence that shows pushing muscles hard to the point of pain helps you gain strength. It is necessary that you take time to rest for your muscles to self-heal and recover. It is also advisable to choose a lighter workout program and wear the correct outfit to avoid painful injuries.

8. There’s no need to see a doctor.

Majority of adults do not seek professional help to address pain because they think it is not necessary. But chronic, persisting pain can affect one’s quality of life. It can hinder you from doing important tasks, enjoying leisure, and becoming more productive. It may also lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioural problems which do not just impact your personal life but also your relationship with others.