Pain Is Worth Talking About

Pain can tell us something important about our health. While acute pain often accompanies an injury or illness and improves as the body heals, pain lasting three months or longer is generally considered chronic pain. Chronic pain can affect sleep, activity, work, emotional well-being, and time spent with family and friends. 

During Pain Awareness Month, RCMS encourages patients not to assume that ongoing pain is simply something they have to live with.  Your provider may ask where you hurt, how long you've been experiencing pain, what it feels like, what makes it better or worse, and whether it interferes with sleep or everyday activities.

These questions help your healthcare team understand how pain is affecting your life and consider possible causes and treatment options.  Pain management isn't necessarily about eliminating every sensation of pain. Depending on its cause, care may involve treating an underlying condition, medications, physical activity or therapy, behavioral health support, lifestyle changes, or other approaches. 

​If pain is interfering with the things you need or want to do, talk with your healthcare provider.  Gualala: (707) 884-4005 Point Arena: (707) 882-1704