If you suffer from chronic pain or, more accurately, are a chronic pain survivor, it’s likely that you’re always looking for new ways to treat and manage your pain. Questions about your chronic pain may have even led you to this blog today, where we cover everything from cutting edge pain treatments to lifestyle changes to help your pain.
As we discussed in an earlier post, part of our mission at Arizona Pain is to educate the public on chronic pain. In addition to hosting information on our blog, website, and social media accounts, we’ve also organized a Chronic Pain Expo for the last two years. Hosting an expo differs, of course, from these online sources both in scope and time. However, we know that hosting a live Chronic Pain Expo is incredibly important because:
“A Chronic Pain Expo allows for a broader reach in the community and new opportunities to discuss pain treatments. We can write numerous blogs about new pain treatments, but oftentimes, talking to a doctor who performs the treatment or physically trying out a new orthotic device can be much more meaningful for a person in pain.”
We are so invested in this Chronic Pain Expo event and the value that it provides for our patients that we’ve made it free and open to the public for the last two years and will continue to do so this year. It’s not only for patients, though. Our Expo can also help (and is open to) caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, and members of the general public.
How can the Arizona Pain’ Chronic Pain Expo on September 27 help you? Let’s take a look.
Learn about lifestyle changes
If you live with chronic pain, you probably already know about the many lifestyle modifications that can help your pain. From eating more healthy to exercising more to finding better sleep habits, there are so many ways you can help prevent and manage your pain through small changes.
Actually changing habits and lifestyle, however, is easier said than done.
That’s why we’ve gathered together a wide variety of experts in health and wellness to attend the Chronic Pain Expo. You’ll be able to talk directly to healthcare professionals who understand your condition and can provide advice or information about changes that may be able to help. While all changes should be done after talking with your personal physician, these discussions can help you realize new options for your own pain management.
In attendance, we’ll have:
- Naturopathic physicians
- Dedicated health coaches
- Dietitians
- Lifestyle product specialists
Through one of those discussions you may learn that instead of trying to “eat healthy” (a large concept easier said than done), a modified diet with restricted carbohydrates and sugars may be best for you. Perhaps one of the health professionals in attendance will have ideas on how to limit your caffeine consumption. Maybe you’ll learn about new technologies that can help you get to sleep faster and monitor your sleep quality. Many vendors will also bring samples or demonstrate new pain management products or assistive devices to incorporate into your day.
While these are small changes, those with chronic pain know that small steps win the day.
Discover new treatment methods
From alternative therapies to surgery, chronic pain treatment encompasses a wide variety of therapies. Attend our Chronic Pain Expo to learn about the many options you truly have.
You’ll be able to talk to:
- Chiropractors
- Acupuncturists
- Research specialists
- Board-certified pain management physicians
- Physical therapists
- Bracing specialists
Healthcare professionals in chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical therapy at the Expo will be able to advise you on complementary therapies that can help with your pain. These therapies are especially helpful in treating moderate forms of pain, as well as when used in conjunction with medications or interventional treatments. Some of these healthcare professionals will even be giving demonstrations of the techniques that they use for pain management.
Since treating pain occurs in the mind as well as the body, we’ll also have local psychologists at the Chronic Pain Expo who specialize in helping chronic pain patients with their mental health issues.
Likewise, you’ll be able to learn about cutting-edge research and potential treatment options from the research specialists and pain management physicians in attendance. By having all of these experts in one area, you’ll get a greater picture of the scope of pain management and how it relates to you and your condition.
Find community
Finally, while it is important to learn about new therapies and lifestyle modifications, the greatest benefit of a Chronic Pain Expo is in the community.
Attending an event filled with people who understand pain or know it deeply can be immensely comforting. You’ll be among people who understand your aches and your pains. You’ll be among people who understand how hard a day can be and how small victories can change a week.
Since we know that finding community is an integral part of chronic pain management, we’ve also invited local support group leaders to our Chronic Pain Expo. You’ll be able to ask them questions about their programs, meetings, and normal topic areas. Our hope is that you will be able to find a group that provides continued support in your life just by attending the Expo.
Attend our Chronic Pain Expo
Our event will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find us at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in their Grand Sonoran Salon, rooms A-D. We can’t wait to see you there.
What other questions do you have about our Chronic Pain Expo?
Image by Ethan Lofton via Flickr