How do you know when pain is too much and needs a medical intervention?

A person feels pain when something is not right with their body. Often, when caused by a minor accident or sports-related injury, it can be treated with proper rest and therapy. But pain caused by longstanding illness or conditions can become a permanent ordeal, hindering an individual from doing daily activities and achieving long-term plans. 

Dr. Merle Dela Cruz-Odi of Makati Medical Center’s Pain Management Services says acute pains are normal—this is a painful sensation after surgery, broken bones, cuts, burns, dental work, childbirth, and the like. On the other hand, chronic pain is pain that lasts more than 12 weeks, and may even persist for years.  

“Chronic pain may be triggered by an injury or illness,” says Dr. Odi. “But it greatly varies from person to person, as some patients deal with fatigue, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, and mood changes alongside chronic pain.” 

Cases of chronic post-operative pain are largely addressed by the MakatiMed Pain Management Services. This type of pain is a poorly recognized potential outcome of amputations, thoracotomies (surgeries to gain access to the heart, lungs, or esophagus), and breast surgery. It affects millions of patients every year. 

Dealing with chronic pain can affect a person’s quality of life, and compromise flexibility, strength, and stamina.  

Because pain is a highly subjective experience, doctors must base their course of treatment on the patient’s description of it, also known as pain history. 

“Pain history describes how the patient perceives pain as either sharp or dull, constant or on and off, and other descriptive factors to help us pinpoint the possible cause,” says Dr. Odi.  

She adds, “Chronic pain may also be caused by multiple issues. The healthcare professionals from different fields sometimes work together to address the patient’s needs for pain management.” 

According to MakatiMed, understanding each patient’s needs as well as the capacity of their loved ones to care for them is crucial for doctors to recommend a course of treatment that will ultimately manage pain and improve the quality of life of the patient.  

Contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 8888 999, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.makatimed.net.ph for more information.