How To Explain “Invisible” Pain







30-Second Blog "Snapshot:"

  • Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, nerve pain and intense fatigue have been considered, for many years, illegitimate health problems because they don’t display apparent or physical side effects.
  • Fortunately, more efforts are being made to educate the general population on some of these “invisible” pain conditions and disabilities that affect more than 100 million Americans.*
  • SWSP shares ways to help others understand your pain condition.

The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center understands how difficult explaining your condition to others may be, which is why they’ve come up with ways to do so effectively. Below are strategies for discussing your pain condition:

See a Pain Specialist—Someone Who Understands Your Condition

First and foremost, if you’re beginning to notice your pain and are having difficulty convincing your current physician you may have a pain disease, you’re most definitely seeing the wrong physician. You shouldn’t have to convince anyone what you’re feeling is real. This is why seeing a pain specialist, like the ones at Southwest Spine and Pain Center, who understands your situation and knows how to treat it, is imperative.

Bring Along a Friend or Family Member

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center, the leading pain management facility in Utah, consider bringing your skeptic friend or family member to the appointment. Our physicians have educational training in pain management from renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic and Harvard University. They’ve spent years working with pain patients and would be more than happy to explain the condition to your loved one.

Write a Letter From the Heart

A letter may help your family members sympathize with you, especially if the letter explains your condition’s symptoms and what it’s like living with them on a daily basis. Try to paint a picture for your loved ones or use familiar conditions to explain your pain. You could say your fibromyalgia feels like “arthritis in your muscles,” or use descriptive words like “dull, “achy,” “stabbing,” etc. to explain your pain.

Advocate For Your Condition

There are a number of organizations that can help you get your voice heard. Try reaching out to a support group or a nonprofit to become an advocate for the organization. You’re not only helping yourself by doing this, you’re helping others who are still trying to figure out their “invisible” pain is a serious condition.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2015

©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2015

*Source: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2011/Relieving-Pain-in-America-A-Blueprint-for-Transforming-Prevention-Care-Education-Research/Pain%20Research%202011%20Report%20Brief.pdf