People are expected to maintain a certain level of professionalism in the workplace. You can jeopardize your professional reputation, future promotions, potential raises, and the respect of your peers if your chronic pain gets in the way of your work life. When you dedicate yourself to pain management, you can empower yourself to regain control of your career.

Pain management includes treatments that relieve discomfort. Some treatments are done by your doctor and others under the guidance and advice of a doctor. Some interventions include:

– Pharmacological interventions: this includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics and opioids.
– Invasive procedures: Your doctor can help with injections and blocks to help control daily activities.
– Complementary therapies: This may include acupuncture, which has no scientifically proven benefits, but is still popular.

Free yourself to work hard

If you have physical limitations from physical agony or even chronic discomfort, it may be simply impossible to complete basic tasks. It is not your fault, however, others at work may not understand the invisible condition. When you pursue the management of the torments that you feel on a physical level, you are taking the power of the injuries and returning it to your hands. Once the pain is gone, you can go back to completing the tasks and obligations that your job requires.

Increase your sense of self-worth

How much you do each day affects your sense of worth in your professional role. If you are unable to focus or work due to how much you are suffering, that can compromise your sense of self-worth and confidence. In turn, others may also view you in a more negative light, and your work is likely to be affected.

Improve your sense of community at work

Like it or not, a part of every workplace is political. People want to be around other people who are fun and willing to contribute. Your satisfaction and enjoyment can define the relationships you have with co-workers, subordinates, and bosses. If you are hurting at work, you are tempted to withdraw. When you have your pain under control, you can be present in the moment to participate in communications effectively. Plus, you’ll have the physical and emotional energy to give back in conversations and other interactions.

Adopt better overall health

If you’re missing a lot of work, you probably won’t be able to enjoy the health care benefits that stable employment offers. That inattention to your physical health beyond chronic pain can wreak havoc on your well-being. Not controlling your pain can also lead to psychological problems.

Finally, when you can focus on your career after pain management, you are likely to rebound and help your work get stronger in all areas because you will be stronger.