Season 5: Episode 1 Show Notes
Chronic pain affects many individuals, making them feel as though their lives are over. The life they once knew has been consumed by pain. In this situation, they have to choose between letting the pain stop them from living or fighting for the life they want. Many patients embrace their new reality and discover alternative ways to participate in activities they love, showcasing their resilience.
Podcast hosts Brian Maschino and Tatiyana Giddings met with clinical psychologist Adam Guck, PhD, LP, to understand chronic pain and its effects on an individual's life. Guck walked them through the physical and mental aspects of dealing with this diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's values and finding ways to achieve happiness, despite their circumstances. Individuals can still lead fulfilling lives by managing chronic pain and focusing on activities that bring them joy. If this conversation on pain management speaks to you, speak to us: podcast@jpshealth.org
Meet Dr. Guck
Adam Guck, PhD, LP, is a Clinical Psychologist who has been at JPS for seven years. He works with various patients to help them manage their pain by focusing on the psychological and behavioral factors that play a role in managing chronic illness.
What is Clinical Health Psychology?
Clinical Health Psychology describes health as a combination of psychological, social, cultural, and biological factors. It emphasizes how a person's mental and emotional well-being can impact their physical health. Clinical health psychologists work with individuals dealing with chronic illnesses, pain, and injury to improve their quality of life through interventions focused on coping strategies, stress management, and behavioral changes.
Types of Pain
Acute Pain typically lasts less than a week or two, and the pain ends after the cause of the pain has been treated. This type of pain can come from inflammation, surgery, injury, etc.
Chronic Pain is a health condition that can limit an individual's quality of life because it can persist for three months or longer. It can happen all the time or come and go. Dealing with chronic pain can cause symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. It can also lead to issues in a patient's daily life, such as work, at-home tasks, and social life.
Types of Chronic Pain
- Headache
- Nerve Pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal
- Orthopaedic injury
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Arthritis
Who’s at risk of developing Chronic Pain?
Individuals who have experienced a fall, overuse injury, or have spent a lot of time bending, twisting, or lifting may be at risk of developing chronic pain. Lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and low physical activity can also contribute to chronic pain. Additionally, psychological factors, including a history of depression or anxiety, can increase the risk of chronic pain due to reduced willingness to engage in treatment interventions such as rehabilitation.
Pain Management
Pain Management is a plan that healthcare providers use to help patients manage their pain and reduce or relieve it. An approach to pain management includes medication, injections, therapy, and exercise. Depending on the cause and type of pain, your provider will recommend one of these approaches or a combination of several.
Connect to Primary Care at JPS Health Network
Dr. Guck emphasizes the importance of initiating pain management at the primary care level to establish a long-term relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. By doing so, patients can receive continuous support to manage their condition and prevent it from worsening. Patients who only seek treatment in the Emergency Room often lack a connection with a primary care physician and may struggle with chronic pain management, as they are less willing to pursue activities such as physical therapy and re-engaging in daily activities.
JPS Primary Care Facilities
- Diamond Hill Health Center
- Family Health Center
- Gertrude Tarpley - Watauga Health
- Grapevine-Colleyville Pediatric Clinic
- Health Center for Women
- JPS Health Connect Clinic
- Magnolia Health Center
- Mansfield Pediatric Clinic
- Medical Home Northeast Tarrant
- Medical Home Southeast Tarrant
- Northwest Health Center for Women
- Northwest Azle-Iona Reed Health Center
- Pediatric Clinic
- Polytechnic Health Center
- South Campus Health Center
- Stop Six- Walter B. Barbour Health Center
- Viola Pitts-Como Health Center
To connect to care or find out more about our locations, visit jpshealthnet.org/locations.
The JPS Podcast Credits:
The JPS Podcast is hosted by: Brian Maschino and Tatiyana Giddings
Executive Producer: Jessica Virnoche
Producers: Brian Maschino, Tatiyana Giddings, and Gaspar Hinojosa
Audio Mixing and Recording: Gaspar Hinojosa
Editing: Brian Maschino