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Why Some People Don't Get Better

One of the most common questions that we receive is- can a complicated pain problem be helped or even reversed. Fibromyalgia is by far the most common disease in question but arthritis, headaches, abdominal pain and spinal pain are also frequently questioned.

The short answer to this question is simply not all pain problems are reversible. Not all migraine sufferers will be relieved by medication, injections, physiotherapy, manipulation or whatever therapy you choose. 

The pain problem complexity, severity, and treatment resources will be some of the factors involved in the recovery. Older people are generally more severe in their disability and therefore are harder to  help. 

If surgery or trauma has changed the spinal anatomy, the probability of a good recovery is less likely. 

If a nerve is permanently damaged or cut, the probability of a good recovery is less likely. 

The condition known as fibromyalgia commonly involves multiple muscle, nerve and joint dysfunction, and it is therefore, more complicated and difficult than, for example, tennis elbow. (Although, I have seen some tough tennis elbow’s in my career.)

Osteoarthritis varies greatly in severity. Logically, less advanced osteoarthritis sufferers are more likely to benefit from medication, stretching and injection therapy or surgery. 

It is very true that patients that are more involved in their care will do better than those who are not motivated to recover. 

All therapists need this kind of inner commitment from their patients for the best possibility of improvement.

So, although not all pain sufferers will make a good recovery, the educated, participatory and enthused patient will stand a better chance to recover or improve, even from fibromyalgia. 

When people give up hope or for other reasons choose to believe that there is no way to improve their condition, then unfortunately, it is very unlikely that there will be significant gains.  Recovery usually involves work on the part of the patient. In these kinds of cases,  the patient can only work toward their best case scenario.

It is important to know that just because one individual with a certain condition has had their pain for 20 years, does not necessarily mean that someone else with the same condition can not improve.  

In fact, apart from the kinds of major trauma mentioned above, the sooner someone starts to receive treatment, the greater their chances of recovery.  In this case, the person with experience ("I've had this for 10 years - no one can get better...") is not the best indicator for someone newly faced with a pain issue.

So a willingness to work hard and a positive attitude can give you a better chance at recovery. Don't give up hope!

As always, keep long and strong.