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Breakthrough Pain Flares

Breakthrough pain, also known as flares of pain, has been a condition long considered to be a common experience that many cancer patients endure. However, the fact that patients with other medical conditions also experience pain flares is now becoming common knowledge across many medical communities. The medical team at Garden State Pain Center have long been aware of the impact that both chronic and acute pain can have on an individual’s quality of life. Garden State Pain Center is committed to the education and treatment of pain, including life-disrupting breakthrough pain.

 

Pain – The Fifth Vital Sign

One main reason that the identification and treatment of pain flares has become more prevalent in non-cancer patients is a federal regulation that requires health professionals to assess pain levels in those that are being treated. In fact, pain is now considered to be the fifth vital sign to be recorded, because it can be indicative of many diseases and disorders.

In fact, many doctors are beginning to realize that breakthrough pain may even be more prevalent of an issue to non-cancer patients than previously thought. These flare-ups of chronic pain can completely alter a person’s life, sometimes to the point of causing disability. The following conditions and illnesses are commonly associated with breakthrough pain flares:

  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Diabetes
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Lyme disease
  • Ehler-Danlos syndrome
  • Past injuries, such as broken bones or whiplash

However, chronic pain and associated flares are complex and variable, as are the underlying causes. Therefore, anyone suffering from protracted pain should be evaluated, regardless of what may be the suspected origin.

 

Understanding and Treating Flares

The pain professionals at Garden State Pain Center are compassionate and thorough with their patient evaluations. Recognizing that breakthrough pain makes day-to-day functioning difficult, they advise individuals to ask themselves if pain results from any of the following situations or activities:

  • Exercising
  • Coughing or deep breathing
  • Post-surgery
  • Getting dressed or doing housework

Pain management doctors want patients to know there are effective treatments available to help improve symptoms, which include:

  • Over-the-counter medicines, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Prescription medications, including opiates and anti-inflammatories
  • Trigger point injections

If you suffer from breakthrough pain flares, contact a pain expert. The experienced pain experts at Garden State Pain Control can analyze your specific ailments and pursue minimally invasive treatment options if necessary. Request an appointment at one of our New Jersey offices today.