September is Pain Awareness Month to increase understanding of pain, pain management and the experiences of people living with acute or chronic pain. Pain can affect more than just physical health; it can impact sleep, mood, mobility, work and overall quality of life.
Occasional
pain can be normal, especially following an injury or illness. However,
persistent or recurring pain can be a sign of an underlying condition that may
require medical attention. Understanding the type and source of your pain is an
important first step toward finding an appropriate treatment plan.
- Low Back Pain: One of the
most common reasons people seek medical care, low back pain can result
from muscle strains, injuries, arthritis, spinal conditions or other
issues.
- Arthritis and
Joint Pain:
Joint pain and stiffness can make everyday activities more difficult and
may be associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid
arthritis.
- Headaches and
Migraines:
Can include occasional tension headaches to recurring migraines that may
cause significant pain and other symptoms.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia
is associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain and may also involve
fatigue, sleep difficulties and other symptoms.
- Nerve (Neuropathic) Pain: Nerves are damaged or irritated and may feel like burning, tingling, numbness, shooting or electric-like pain.
A first thought may be to brush off pain or wait it out, hoping it goes away on its own. However, worsening or recurring pain should not be ignored, and you don't have to manage your pain alone. Talk with a healthcare provider if pain interferes with daily activities, sleep, work or ability to exercise. Summit Medical Group's network of providers and support services helps patients find answers, address underlying conditions and take steps toward lasting wellness.
Finding the right care for pain often starts with talking to a healthcare provider who can understand your symptoms and help identify potential causes. Summit Medical Group has more than 500 providers at more than 100 locations across 23 Tennessee counties, offering comprehensive primary care as well as a range of specialty practices.
Summit also offers physical therapy centers, diagnostic imaging services, laboratory services and other healthcare resources that can play a role in evaluating and managing certain conditions.
Find a Summit Medical Group provider or location: https://www.summitmedical.com/health.