Any time that you have a spouse who is dealing with any sort of pain, it's a good idea to encourage him or her to visit a pain management specialist. Whether the pain is chronic or just appears occasionally, pain can be highly disruptive. It's important for you to be as supportive as possible during this time, regardless of whether you both know the reason for the pain or are confused about what might be causing it.

Understand That These Things Are Normal When You Have A Spouse Dealing With Pain

Any time that you have a spouse who is dealing with any sort of pain, it's a good idea to encourage him or her to visit a pain management specialist. Whether the pain is chronic or just appears occasionally, pain can be highly disruptive. It's important for you to be as supportive as possible during this time, regardless of whether you both know the reason for the pain or are confused about what might be causing it. Part of being supportive is understanding that the following things can be normal when your spouse is in pain.

Sleeping a Lot

Many people who are contending with pain will spend a lot of time in bed. Pain can sometimes subside when the person is lying down. For example, if your spouse has back pain or knee pain, he or she may find that spending time in bed can provide some degree of relief. In other cases, the person will feel physically and emotionally exhausted because of the pain, and going to bed is one way of dealing with this situation.

Missing Work

It's common for people who are dealing with acute or chronic pain to be unable to work. In minor cases, your spouse will need to take a day or two off here and there. In more serious cases, he or she may be unable to work for an extended period of time. This situation can cause financial stress for both of you, especially if your household is relying heavily upon your spouse's income, but you should try to avoid getting frustrated and blaming him or her because your finances are suddenly tight.

Being Short Tempered

Unfortunately, many people react to pain by acting in a short-tempered manner. When someone is uncomfortable, his or her threshold for annoyances can be limited. This might mean that your spouse snaps at you or gets frustrated at minor things that occur during the day. It's in everyone's best interest to remember that this behavior is likely a result of the pain. Arguing back at your loved one might seem tempting, but will only exacerbate the situation. It's better to take a deep breath and avoid compounding the problem.

Losing Interest in Sex

When your spouse is in pain, sex may be the last thing on his or her mind. The discomfort can make your spouse feel inward and upset, thus leading to little to no feelings of romance. Additionally, physically having sex can be difficult for someone who cannot move without pain. Try to avoid taking this situation personally. Your spouse's lack of interest in sex isn't a reflection on how he or she feels about you but is rather a common reaction to experiencing physical pain.

Withdrawing From Normal Activities

Someone who is in pain may feel so miserable that he or she no longer wants to partake in normal activities. This can mean that your spouse may not wish to cook, eat much, or spend time doing things that you normally enjoy together. You'll only worsen the situation by pestering your spouse to make things return to normal, and you should accept the reality that his or her pain is getting in the way of whatever "normal" is.

Even though these issues can be challenging for your spouse and for you, they don't need to become the norm. Professional care from pain management specialists can help your spouse to overcome his or her pain, resulting in improved quality of life. If you want to be of assistance to your spouse, gently encourage him or her to seek treatment from Pain Care Management, LLC.