If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, you are far from alone. Today, pain is widespread in the United States, affecting people from all ages and walks of life. From chronic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, to past occupational or sports injuries that never seem to heal, Americans of all ages and walks of life are struggling to go about their daily routines because of pain. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pain "affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined."

Treatment Options

Finding the right pain management option for you doesn't have to be hard. Today, there are a multitude of options for pain management. Your physician or osteopath may recommend a multitude of options for how to treat your condition. This may include visiting a physical therapist, masseuse, or pain clinic for individualized care that caters to your unique needs. Exercise programs that include swimming, gentle yoga, or other low-impact physical activity may be included to help strengthen muscles and take the pressure off of sensitive joints. By working with your doctor, you are likely to find an effective treatment that will help reduce your suffering and allow you to go about your daily routine with greater ease.

Avoid Prescription Painkillers

For those suffering from chronic pain, this may be easier said than done. Prescription painkillers may become a matter of routine. Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "These powerful drugs can create a feeling of euphoria, cause physical dependence, and, in some people, lead to addiction." While these drugs play an important and occasional part in pain management, their use should be carefully monitored by your physician or osteopath and only used as needed.

Lend a Helping Hand

If you do not suffer from pain, consider the ways you can make life easier for those who do. Because chronic pain cannot be seen, sufferers frequently deal with a lack of sympathy from those unfamiliar with their struggles.  If you have a friend or family member dealing with pain, offer to assist them with certain tasks that may be a struggle, such as carrying groceries or preparing a meal. Since chronic pain does not always manifest itself in a way that is distinguishable by a person's age or ability to walk, reserve judgment if you see a seemingly able-bodied stranger requesting extra assistance, or utilizing a handicapped parking permit. While their ailment may be invisible, their pain is likely very real.

While chronic pain in the United States will likely to continue to increase, the options for pain management are growing every day. From pain clinics to massage therapy, there is an option for you to help make your pain more manageable. For more information, contact a pain clinic like Illinois Pain Institute.