Chronic pain is pain that persists for more than three months and, in some cases, years. It can occur in any part of our body, either permanently or occasionally. All in all, chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that interferes with our daily lives, impeding activities such as taking care of ourselves or others, having a social life, or working.
Individuals with chronic pain often suffer from side effects, such as sleeping difficulties, anxiety, and depression, which often lead to an unbreakable cycle of physical and mental pain.
Common areas of chronic pain
Chronic pain can affect any part of our body. Some of the common areas include:
- Neurogenic pain as a result of damage to the nervous system
- Muscle pain, such as fibromyalgia
- Scar tissues
- Testicular pain
- Headaches
- Pain from a cancerous tumour
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain as a result of arthritis
If you are currently living with chronic pain that limits your mobility significantly, investing in a personal mobility aid will certainly improve your overall quality of life.
Signs that indicate your need for a mobility aid
If you are considering the need for a PMA, chances are you most likely will have to use it – individuals who do not need one do not tend to consider if it helps them.
However, to help you make a sounder decision, here are some key signs that indicate your need for a PMA:
- You miss out on socialising and other activities due to your chronic pain
- You experience severe levels of chronic pain that limits your ability to function normally
- You experience chronic fatigue
- You often bump into things, trip, or fall
- You find it challenging to get about, either at home or outside
Stigmas of using mobility aids
The common misconception of mobility aids teaches us that they are just for the elderly or that relying on them means you are weak or lazy. The thing about disabilities is that they do not discriminate – anybody of any age can experience chronic conditions that require a little assistance.
Because of such social stigmas, studies have found that many individuals who could benefit from using mobility aids are not using one. Relying on mobility aids does not mean giving in to their disabilities or limitations. In fact, it is the opposite. Finding every bit of help can help you maintain as much independence as possible, allowing you to battle your chronic pain.
Deconditioning using mobility aids
Another misconception of mobility aids is that using them will result in the deconditioning of the muscles. However, it is not using mobility aids that decondition the muscles, but rather inactivity.
If a waler can help the user to get of their house and interact with their community, they are being more active than they were before. In fact, there are strengthening exercises walker users can do to boost stability and strength, reducing chronic pain.
Multiple ways that mobility aids can aid with chronic pain
There are several ways that mobility aids can aid with chronic pain.
1. Reducing pain
Using walking aids, such as rollators, crutches, or walking sticks can help to reduce pain when you walk. It is vital to observe how you are using them as incorrect use can result in new pains or further pains.
If walking is not possible due to the severity of your pain, then relying on a wheelchair or mobility scooter will help you reduce your pain while doing more.
2. Improving overall quality of life
Using PMAs certainly will improve your overall quality of life significantly. They allow the user to venture out of their house, go further, open opportunities for socialising and interacting, as well as boost your independence and confidence.
PMAs are great tools that allow users to participate in certain activities comfortably they could not access previously, giving them a greater sense of independence and security.
3. Managing fatigue
Many individuals with chronic pain suffer from fatigue easily, which is as draining as the pain itself. PMAs reduce fatigue significantly. For example, on days when you want to go out, but walking means that you will get tired quickly, using a wheelchair or mobility scooter means you can head out to complete your daily tasks.
4. Helping to keep pace
Pacing is about dividing your day-to-day tasks up into multiple, more manageable ones with adequate amount of rests in between them. This can help to reduce the strain on your body, preventing your symptoms from flaring up. Using PMAs allows you to make it more manageable when completing your tasks, using less energy.
5. Reducing additional symptoms
Most individuals with chronic pain often suffer from other symptoms, such as coordinating and balancing difficulties or dizziness. PMAs can help to reduce the occurrence of such symptoms. For example, if you suffer from reduced coordination and vertigo, which increases your risk of falling over, mobility aids can help keep you safe in those situations.
6. Increasing exercise
Exercise is imperative for overall health. It is even more essential for those with chronic pain, helping to improve mobility, build strength, as well as reduce stiffness and pain. As mentioned above, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding how mobility aids reduce activity levels. However, when used correctly and appropriately, they can boost your movements significantly.
It is also vital to note that for many individuals with chronic pain, their symptoms could be so severe that they have to use a mobility aid to maintain certain levels of mobility or risk being stuck at home.
Conclusion
There are many types of mobility aids in the market. The best-suited mobility aid depends on your specific needs and severity of your chronic pain. Here at Falcon Mobility, we offer a wide range of mobility aids, from walking sticks and rollators to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as other lifestyle accessories.
Our experienced team will help recommend the best-suited mobility aid for your current needs. Do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Visit us to find out more!