Watching a loved one deal with chronic pain can be one of the most difficult things to witness. Not only can their physical well-being suffer, but the pain can also take a toll on their mental health.
If you have a loved one who’s experiencing any type of chronic pain, our team at Palo Alto Mind Body understands the anguish you might be feeling. We’re here to help take some of the burden from you with this seven-tip guide.
Steps you can take to navigate the care your loved one needs include:
The first step in supporting someone with chronic pain is acknowledging their struggle. Chronic pain is often an invisible battle, and those suffering may feel isolated.
Express your understanding and validate their pain. Offer a listening ear without judgment. This allows them a safe space to share their feelings.
Chronic pain and mental health are interconnected. When someone is dealing with persistent pain, they can often experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.
Watch for changes in their mood, behavior, or sleep patterns. Encourage open communication, and let them know you're there to support their mental well-being as much as their physical health.
At Palo Alto Mind Body, we treat mental health conditions with evidence-based treatments, such as FDA-approved Spravato, psychotherapy, and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for care and treatment.
Take the time to educate yourself about chronic pain, its potential causes, and our available treatments. This knowledge will empower you to have informed conversations with your loved one and provide better support.
It’s also important to understand that chronic pain is complex and can manifest differently for each person.
Although traditional pain management methods exist, exploring advanced treatments can be beneficial. At Palo Alto Mind Body, we offer IV ketamine infusions, which have shown great promise in relieving chronic pain and certain mental health disorders, particularly for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). IV Ketamine treatments are the gold-standard treatment for CRPS.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that we administer intravenously in a controlled setting at our practice. Before considering this option, we’ll evaluate your loved one to determine if it’s a suitable option for them.
Attending medical appointments with your loved one, providing transportation when needed, and assisting with daily tasks that may be challenging because of their condition can provide the support to help their condition improve. Staying by their side while they’re aiming to get better can make a significant difference in their journey toward relief.
Encourage your loved one to adopt holistic approaches to managing pain and promoting overall well-being. This may include gentle exercises, mindfulness practices, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
We offer a functional medicine approach to get to the root cause of pain — whether mental or physical. We look at the origin of their symptoms instead of simply treating them. This holistic approach can complement our medical treatments and contribute to a more balanced life for our patients.
Chronic pain can leave your loved one feeling isolated. Do your best to help them stay connected with friends, support groups, or online communities where they can share their experiences and find understanding. Building a network of emotional support can positively impact both their mental and physical health.
We are here to help. Book an appointment for your loved one today by calling us at 650-681-2900 or booking an appointment online anytime, day or night.
