Chronic pain is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Chronic pain can have various causes, such as injury, disease, or aging, and can affect different parts of the body, such as the back pain, neck, joints, or nerves. Chronic pain can also have a significant impact on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and their families.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for chronic pain patients and their health care providers. The pandemic has increased the risk of infection, disrupted the delivery of pain management services, and exacerbated the psychological distress and social isolation associated with chronic pain. Therefore, it is important to understand how chronic pain and COVID-19 interact, and what strategies can be used to cope with chronic pain during this difficult time.
Causes of covid-19 pandemic and Chronic Pain
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that causes respiratory illness in humans. The virus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals. The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, or diarrhea.
Some people who contract COVID-19 may develop complications, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, or multi-organ failure. These complications can be life-threatening and require intensive care and mechanical ventilation. People who have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, or immunosuppression, are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Chronic pain patients may also be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing worse outcomes from the infection. This is because chronic pain can impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections . Chronic pain can also interfere with the respiratory function and oxygen delivery to the tissues . Moreover, chronic pain patients may have comorbidities that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 .
Additionally, some medications that are used to treat chronic pain may have adverse effects on the immune system or the respiratory system. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may reduce the production of protective antibodies or increase the expression of receptors that allow the virus to enter the cells .
Opioids, such as morphine or oxycodone, may suppress the cough reflex or cause respiratory depression . Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, may increase the risk of secondary infections or worsen the inflammation caused by COVID-19 .
Therefore, chronic pain patients should consult their health care provider before taking any medications for their pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. They should also follow the general preventive measures to reduce their exposure to the virus, such as wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, social distancing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and getting vaccinated when eligible.
Impact Of COVID-19 and Chronic Pain
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the healthcare system and society at large. The pandemic has overwhelmed the health care resources, disrupted the supply chains, and imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions.
These factors have affected the availability and accessibility of pain management services for chronic pain patients.
Many elective procedures and non-urgent visits have been postponed or canceled to conserve resources and prevent transmission of COVID-19. This means that many chronic pain patients have experienced delays or interruptions in their treatment plans, such as injections, surgery, physical therapy, or psychological counseling.
Some chronic pain patients may have also faced difficulties in obtaining their prescriptions, especially for controlled substances, due to pharmacy closures, shortages, or regulatory barriers.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the psychological distress and social isolation associated with chronic pain.
Chronic pain patients may experience increased levels of anxiety, depression, fear, anger, or grief due to the uncertainty, loss, or trauma caused by the pandemic.
They may also feel more lonely, bored, or hopeless due to the lack of social support, recreational activities, or meaningful engagement during the lockdowns.
These negative emotions can worsen the perception and intensity of chronic pain.
Therefore, chronic pain patients should monitor their physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemicand seek help if they notice any changes or deterioration in their condition.
They should also maintain a regular routine, a healthy diet, a good sleep hygiene, and a moderate exercise regimen to enhance their well-being and resilience.
Chronic Pain Treatment Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for pain management providers and institutions. They have to balance the often-conflicting goals of risk mitigation for health care providers and patients, conservation of resources, and access to pain management services . To address these issues, several multispecialty organizations have issued pain management best practices and recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic and public health crises. These guidelines provide a framework for pain practitioners and institutions to adapt to the changing circumstances and to deliver safe and effective pain management services to chronic pain patients.
Some of the key recommendations from these guidelines are summarized below:
- Use telemedicine as much as possible to provide pain management services remotely, such as consultations, follow-ups, medication management, education, or counseling. Telemedicine can reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19, conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and other resources, and increase access and convenience for chronic pain patients.
- Triage chronic pain patients according to their urgency, severity, and risk factors. Prioritize patients who have acute or severe pain, who have high-risk comorbidities, who have limited access to alternative therapies, or who have potential complications from their pain condition or treatment. Defer or reschedule patients who have mild or stable pain, who have low-risk comorbidities, who have adequate access to alternative therapies, or who have elective procedures or visits .
- Use non-opioid analgesics as the first-line treatment for chronic pain whenever possible. Non-opioid analgesics include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, topical agents, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or muscle relaxants. Non-opioid analgesics can provide adequate pain relief for many chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, or fibromyalgia. Non-opioid analgesics can also reduce the risk of opioid-related adverse effects, such as respiratory depression, immunosuppression, or dependence .
- Use opioid analgesics cautiously and judiciously for chronic pain when non-opioid analgesics are ineffective or contraindicated. Opioid analgesics include codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, or methadone. Opioid analgesics can provide moderate to severe pain relief for some chronic pain conditions, such as cancer pain, post-surgical pain, or palliative care.
Opioid analgesics should be used in the lowest effective dose, for the shortest duration, and with close monitoring for efficacy, safety, and compliance.
- Use interventional pain management procedures selectively and carefully for chronic pain when pharmacological therapies are inadequate or inappropriate. Interventional pain management procedures include nerve blocks, injections, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, or intrathecal pumps.
- Interventional pain management procedures can provide targeted and long-lasting pain relief for some chronic pain conditions, such as radicular pain, facet joint pain, or complex regional pain syndrome.
Interventional pain management procedures should be performed in a sterile environment, with appropriate PPE, and with strict infection control measures.
Coping Strategies for Chronic Pain During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Chronic pain patients may face various challenges and stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic that can affect their quality of life and well-being. Therefore, it is important to adopt some coping strategies to manage chronic pain and its associated impact during this difficult time. Some of the coping strategies are listed below:
- Seek social support from family, friends, or online communities. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, or informational guidance for chronic pain patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support can also reduce the feelings of loneliness, isolation, or helplessness that may arise from chronic pain or the lockdowns.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, or yoga. Relaxation techniques can help chronic pain patients cope with stress, anxiety, or negative emotions that may worsen their pain or interfere with their functioning.
Relaxation techniques can also enhance the parasympathetic nervous system activity, which can promote the healing and recovery of the body.
- Engage in enjoyable activities such as hobbies, games, music, or art. Enjoyable activities can provide distraction, pleasure, or satisfaction for chronic pain patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing chronic pain, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog are at the reader’s discretion, and the author and publisher are not liable for any consequences.
Final Words
In navigating the challenges of chronic pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the unique intersection of these two aspects is key. By adhering to treatment guidelines, leveraging coping strategies, and seeking support, individuals can enhance their well-being despite disruptions. Remember, your healthcare provider is your ally in this journey, providing tailored advice and support.
Contact Us
For further inquiries, personalized assistance, or to consult with Spine and Pain Clinic of Texas, contact us to book your appointment at +1 (214) 256-3900 or visit our website www.spinenpain.org for more information.
