5 Factors That Influence When Patients Seek Help For Chronic Pain

Understanding the Delay: Factors Affecting Patients’ Decision to Seek Help for Chronic Pain

Written by: Aaron Michael Buch

Many patients spend far too long suffering from pain. For many years, our company has interviewed patients who tend to say the same line – “I wish I had done this sooner.”

Why is this typically the case?

There are a variety of reasons why patients may avoid getting surgery, even if it is recommended by their healthcare provider. Some common reasons include:

1. Fear of the unknown: Many patients may be afraid of undergoing surgery and may have concerns about the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

2. Fear of pain: Patients may also be afraid of experiencing pain after surgery, and may be hesitant to undergo a procedure that may cause discomfort.

3. Fear of the recovery process: Patients may be concerned about the recovery process after surgery, including the length of time it may take to fully heal and the potential impact on their daily activities.

4. Financial concerns: Patients may also be hesitant to undergo surgery due to financial concerns, including the cost of the procedure and any potential lost wages during the recovery period.

5. Preference for non-surgical treatment: Some patients may prefer to try non-surgical treatment options before considering surgery.

There are a variety of factors that can influence when patients decide to seek medical help for chronic joint or back pain. These may include:

1. Severity of pain: Patients may seek medical help for chronic joint or back pain if the pain is severe and is interfering with their ability to perform daily activities.

2. Duration of pain: Patients may also seek medical help if the pain has persisted for an extended period of time and is not responding to home remedies or over-the-counter medications.

3. Impact on quality of life: Chronic joint or back pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, and patients may seek medical help if the pain is affecting their ability to work, engage in leisure activities, or maintain relationships.

4. Lack of improvement with self-care: Patients may seek medical help if they have tried self-care measures such as rest, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications but have not experienced improvement.

5. Recommendation from a healthcare provider: Patients may also seek medical help for chronic joint or back pain at the recommendation of a healthcare provider such as a primary care physician or physical therapist.

Ultimately, the decision to seek medical help for chronic joint or back pain is a personal one and may be influenced by a variety of factors. By seeking the guidance of a healthcare provider, patients can receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help manage their pain and improve their quality of life.