Pain Awareness Month: Don’t Just Live With the Pain

9/1/2026

“No pain, no gain” was never meant to be medical advice.

Yet for many people, pain becomes something they simply learn to live with. They push through it, adjust their routines, take over-the-counter medication and hope it eventually gets better.

During September’s Pain Awareness Month, DeTar is encouraging people across the Crossroads to rethink that approach. Persistent pain is not something that should simply be accepted as a normal part of aging or everyday life.

Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that persists or recurs for more than three months. Unlike acute pain, which typically serves as a warning of injury or illness and improves as the body heals, chronic pain can continue long after the original cause has been treated or may become a condition requiring treatment of its own.

“Pain doesn’t exist in isolation,” said Brian N. Parks, D.O., a board-certified specialist in interventional pain management with DeTar Medical Group. “When the body hurts for weeks or months on end, the mind suffers too. Anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation are common—but they’re often overlooked or untreated.”

More than just a physical problem

Chronic pain can affect nearly every part of a person’s life. Back and neck pain, arthritis, joint disorders, nerve pain, migraines, injuries and pain following surgery are among the conditions that can become persistent and interfere with daily activities.

The impact can extend beyond physical discomfort. Chronic pain can make it harder to sleep, work, exercise, participate in hobbies or spend time with family and friends. Over time, those limitations can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation.

“Pain affects much more than a single part of the body,” said Dr. Parks. “When pain begins limiting your ability to work, exercise, enjoy hobbies, or spend time with family, it can impact nearly every aspect of your life. That’s why early intervention is so important.”

The International Association for the Study of Pain notes that chronic pain affects approximately 20% of people worldwide and can have biological, psychological and social contributors. Because of that complexity, effective treatment may require more than simply treating the physical source of pain.

You have options

One reason people delay seeking care is the misconception that pain management simply means taking medication. Today, pain management can involve a variety of approaches depending on the cause, severity and individual needs of the patient.

Treatment may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, targeted injections, nerve blocks, minimally invasive procedures, medication management and other evidence-based therapies. A wholistic approach may also address the emotional and psychological effects of living with persistent pain.

“The goal of pain management is not simply masking symptoms,” said Dr. Parks. “It’s identifying the source of pain and developing a personalized treatment plan that helps patients regain function, improve mobility, and get back to the activities they enjoy.”

Dr. Parks emphasizes that patients should not feel they have to wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking help.

“Patients often tell me they’ve been dealing with pain for years before seeking help,” he said. “But help is available—and it often starts with a conversation. We’re here to listen, support and guide you through the path to relief.”

When should you seek help?

Pain that lasts longer than three months, continues to worsen or begins interfering with everyday life deserves attention. People should also talk with a healthcare provider when pain interferes with sleep or work, becomes more frequent or severe, no longer responds to over-the-counter medications, or is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of function.

Pain Awareness Month is an opportunity to start that conversation.

“You don’t have to “tough it out.” You don’t have to accept chronic pain as your new normal. And you don’t have to figure out your options alone.,” said Dr. Parks. “If pain has become a regular part of your life, talk to your doctor. There may be more options than you realize.” To learn more about pain management services available at DeTar, visit https://www.mydetardoctor.com/pain-management.

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