Breaking the Pain Barrier: Analysis of Physical Therapy and Painkillers in Managing Chronic Pain among ECU Students
Author
Patel , Kunj
Abstract
Chronic pain among students in college is often an overlooked problem. Chronic pain can be defined as persistent pain that usually lasts longer than 3 months (2). It can be caused by numerous underlying interdependent sets of bio-psycho-social factors. A trend that could be transitive across the world. A study in Norway reported that “54% of students reported chronic pain in at least one location” (1). Persistent pain can prove to be detrimental to a student’s academic career and social life. It can often act as a distraction and cause an inability to perform specific activities. Something that is often overlooked is the high costs associated with the treatment of the underlying cause. Ignoring the pain that consistently returns can lead to a poor quality of life for their undergraduate career and their future. A cross-sectional study done on undergraduate students showed that “79.2% experienced bodily pain within 6 months of the study (3).” Pain prevalence can differ between different genders and can have varying methods for pain management.
The two methods for pain management are often, pharmacological, nonpharmacological, or some sort of combination therapy. Non-pharmacological examples of combination therapy can include physical activity (aerobic conditioning, muscle strengthening, flexibility training, and movement therapies) (4). Multiple studies have shown there are direct benefits associated with exercise to help deal with chronic pain. Physical therapy can provide relief by helping to address the underlying cause of the pain. Having a consistent therapy schedule can help negate the persistence of chronic pain (4). It can help target the root of the pain instead of just targeting the pain associated with the cause. Typically, these services are often expensive and are not feasible for students to take advantage of regularly.
Painkillers are often used as a standalone option for pain management or in conjunction with some sort of physical recovery method. Students with chronic pain are more likely to use “analgesics and alcohol” (5). It can often seem like a quick and easy solution to help ease the pain for a short duration of time. It should be noted that students can often become reliant on these analgesics which are often used as a “self-medication” practice. An article exploring self-medication practices among nursing undergraduate students with analgesics showed that “Acetaminophen was the highest used drug for analgesic purposes (6).” It is common practice to take over-the-counter medication to help deal with persistent pain. It is considered socially acceptable, but they are widely misunderstood. Overuse of these medications can cause liver damage, stomach bleeding, and kidney disease (7)
The study aims to investigate pain relief practices among ECU students, specifically focusing on physical therapy as a non-pharmacological alternative. The needs assessment determined the prevalence of chronic pain and the demand for physical therapy on campus. The study aimed to increase awareness of physical therapy and decrease the reliance on pain medications, ultimately promoting better pain management and enhancing student health and well-being.
Subject
Date
2023-04-26
Citation:
APA:
Patel , Kunj.
(April 2023).
Breaking the Pain Barrier: Analysis of Physical Therapy and Painkillers in Managing Chronic Pain among ECU Students
(Honors Thesis, East Carolina University). Retrieved from the Scholarship.
(http://hdl.handle.net/10342/12955.)
MLA:
Patel , Kunj.
Breaking the Pain Barrier: Analysis of Physical Therapy and Painkillers in Managing Chronic Pain among ECU Students.
Honors Thesis. East Carolina University,
April 2023. The Scholarship.
http://hdl.handle.net/10342/12955.
April 27, 2024.
Chicago:
Patel , Kunj,
“Breaking the Pain Barrier: Analysis of Physical Therapy and Painkillers in Managing Chronic Pain among ECU Students”
(Honors Thesis., East Carolina University,
April 2023).
AMA:
Patel , Kunj.
Breaking the Pain Barrier: Analysis of Physical Therapy and Painkillers in Managing Chronic Pain among ECU Students
[Honors Thesis]. Greenville, NC: East Carolina University;
April 2023.
Collections
Publisher
East Carolina University