National Pain Awareness Month

Mybath.biz recognizes September as National Pain Awareness Month and an opportunity to shine light on the reported 50 to 75 million vulnerable Americans suffering from chronic or acute and often debilitating pain. The American Pain Foundation established the Power Over Pain Campaign in 2006, a national grassroots effort dedicated to providing a voice for pain patients. The grassroots effort has a state leader directory available for those wishing to volunteer their time to this healthcare crisis. The purpose and goal of this group is to raise public awareness and promote optimal pain policy, legislation, and practice. Please click on the link highlighted above for more information and to get involve!

So, how does one undertreated pain patient affect us all?

Pain is a protective warning signal alerting us something is wrong and preventing us from hurting ourselves. The availability, knowledge, and effectiveness of pain relieving medications is the best ever today, yet the continued practice of under treating pain is costing pain patients, caregivers, families, and societies heartache and billions of dollars each year. In fact the US cost of undertreated pain is around 100 billion dollars a year in healthcare, litigation, and compensation according to the National Institute of Health. Further, untreated pain is often associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, family turmoil, work-related problems, job loss, insurance loss, and other issues (American Pain Foundation, National Pain Foundation, & Partners Against Pain). The greatest pain management results encompass a combination of modalities in my experience and documented by countless organizations, which include physical therapy, counseling, acupuncture, massage, progressive muscle relaxation, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, prayer/meditation, yoga, and medications.

To check out how well your state policies are helping or hindering effective pain management please refer to the Pain & Policies Studies Group’s yearly state by state grade card. You’ll probably be surprised.

Mybath.biz offers an array of hydrotherapy products to help those in pain including the brand new 2008 6-Person HydroOasis Hot Tub with 103 total jets, 15hp, 8” LCD TV, DVD, CD player with MP3/MP4 input and built with Phalanx Acrylic. Check it out today!

Comments

[S. Finster]

I have had chronic vulvar pain (vulvodynia) for nearly 20 years. I have seen 13 gynecologists, two pain specialists, and a pelvic pain specialist. Some of these were at major teaching hospitals (John Hopkins, Univ. of MD). I have also participated in support groups for my type of pain. No one has been able to relieve me of the constant pain, and my life is a living hell. I don't know where to go from here.

[Debbie]

Sorry to hear about your 20 year struggle with chronic vulvar pain. I'm sure you have found every available resource in your quest. I know of these resources….hope they help.

http://www.vulvarpainfoundation.org

http://www.beyondchronicpain.com

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vulvodynia/DS00159

http://www.nva.org

Much Peace,
Debbie