Pain is no joke. Living with chronic pain is a constant struggle that can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s not uncommon for well-meaning friends and family members to try to offer support and advice, but sometimes their words can do more harm than good. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common phrases that are better left unsaid to someone with chronic pain and suggest more helpful and empathetic alternatives.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Everyone perceives pain differently, but it normally starts with pain receptors beneath the skin and in organs scattered throughout the body. Sickness, injury, or other kinds of problems make the receptors transmit signals to the spinal cord – which then relays them to the brain for recognition and processing.
Pain can be temporary, mild, severe, and go away on its own or after treatment. But if the pain lingers for months at a time, and you don’t get better with medicine or treatment, then you may be experiencing chronic pain. In some cases, the source of the pain is unknown.
How Many People Have It?
Millions of people regardless of gender or age experience chronic pain. Some research estimates the number is between 11 and 40%, but a report from 2019 cited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it affects about 20% of all adults. Other highlights worth mentioning:
- Chronic pain gets worse as you age.
- Non-Hispanic white adults get it most often.
- People who live in rural areas get chronic pain more often.
What Causes Chronic Pain?
Sometimes chronic pain has an obvious cause. It could be triggered by arthritis or cancer, or injuries and diseases resulting in bodily changes which leave you more susceptible to pain. These changes may last for months or years, long after an injury or illness has been treated successfully.
But chronic pain can be psychogenic pain, or pain that isn’t related to an injury or physical illness. It’s driven by psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and stress.
What Not to Say to Someone with Chronic Pain
Sometimes we have the best intention and want to help others as much as we can. But in the process of helping, we fumble over the words or say the wrong thing, unable to verbalize what our mind wants us to articulate. There are definitely things you shouldn’t say to someone with chronic pain, such as:
- “You’re in pain? Funny, you don’t look hurt (or injured) at all.”
- “I noticed you’ve been hobbling around at work. Dude, you’re too young to be in pain.”
- “Listen, everyone gets tired, and sometimes that makes pain seem worse than it is, so sleep it off.”
- “Eh, you’re just having a bad day.”
- “Pain? It’s all in your mind.”
- “Suck it up.”
- “Wow, now you’ve got an excuse for not going to work (or school) today. I’m so envious.”
- “You know what? My arms hurt for months because of repetitive stress movements, but my therapist told me to exercise, and guess what? No more pain. You should try that.”
- “Sure, I know you’re in pain, but there’s always someone who’s got it worse and you’re mostly healthy, right?”
- “Does this mean we’re not going to the concert Friday night?”
- “I really don’t know what’s going on, but I hope you feel better soon! I’m picking up your slack at work.”
- “Ok, how about if you try this? I saw it on a podcast.”
- “Listen, I’ve heard some old people say they will away their pain. You know, mind over matter and all that.”
- “I don’t know. When I was in pain a lot, my dietician told me to lose 7% body weight and now I feel like a million bucks.”
- “Maybe you need to sleep more.”
- “How about getting a new pillow or mattress?”
- “I know what you’re going through.”
To communicate with someone with chronic pain, you need to be engaged, compassionate, and listen to what they’re telling you. You might suggest different kinds of treatment or seeing a different doctor, but the conversation is always about the other person.
Diagnosis & Treatment
When chronic pain starts to negatively impact your quality of life, it’s time to seek help. While there may not be specific tests to diagnose chronic pain, a medical or psychological examination can help identify the source of your discomfort and determine the best course of treatment. Chronic pain treatment options may include therapy, pain relievers, and medicine such as ketamine. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of ketamine as a chronic pain treatment option – it has been shown to provide significant relief for many individuals.
