Debunking Myths and Misbeliefs Regarding Pain Medicine Practice

The greatest barrier to pain relief is often not the disease itself—it is misinformation. Every myth delays diagnosis, prolongs suffering, and reduces quality of life.

Pain is the body's way of telling us that something is wrong. Yet, despite tremendous advances in medical science, Pain Medicine remains one of the most misunderstood specialties.

Every day, pain physicians encounter patients who have delayed treatment—not because effective therapies don't exist, but because they believe in myths that have been passed down for years.

1. "Pain is just a part of ageing—you have to live with it."

This couldn't be further from the truth. While ageing may increase the risk of certain painful conditions, persistent pain is never "normal." It deserves proper evaluation and treatment.

2. “You should tolerate pain until it becomes unbearable”.

Many patients wait months or even years before seeking help. Unfortunately, untreated pain can become chronic, affecting sleep, mobility, mental health, relationships, and work productivity. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery

3. "Pain physicians only prescribe painkillers and steroids."

Modern Pain Medicine is far more advanced. We focus on identifying the source of pain and offer comprehensive treatment that may include lifestyle modification, rehabilitation, image-guided minimally invasive procedures, psychological support, and only, when necessary, medications. Our goal is not simply to mask pain—it is to restore function and improve quality of life.

4. "Spine injections are dangerous and should be the last resort."

In reality, when performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance by trained specialists, these procedures are precise, safe, and evidence-based. For many patients, they can relieve pain, avoid surgery, and accelerate recovery.

5. “Pain procedures are extremely painful.”

Ironically, many patients fear that pain treatments themselves will be painful. Most interventional procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, often with mild sedation, and usually take only 15–30 minutes. Most patients return home the same day.

6. “Surgery is the only permanent solution for spine pain.”

Not every slipped disc or spinal problem requires surgery. In fact, the majority of patients improve with conservative management and targeted interventional procedures. Surgery is reserved for carefully selected patients with specific indications.

7. "If the MRI looks normal, the pain must be psychological."

The truth is that pain is a complex experience. Nerves, muscles, joints, and even the way the nervous system processes pain can produce significant symptoms despite normal imaging. We use imaging only to clinically correlate patients’ symptoms. Our objective is to “treat the patient—not the scan”.

8. “Chronic pain is all in the mind”.

Chronic pain is a genuine medical condition involving changes in the nervous system. While stress and emotions can influence pain perception, they do not mean the pain is imaginary. Pain is real, measurable, and deserves compassionate, evidence-based care.

9. “Once you start pain medication, you'll become addicted.”

This fear prevents many patients from accepting treatment. In reality, pain physicians use medications judiciously and individualize therapy. Most commonly prescribed pain medicines are not addictive, and when stronger medications are needed, they are carefully monitored to ensure safe and appropriate use.

10. “Pain Medicine is only for cancer patients or those with severe disability”.

Although cancer pain management is an important part of our specialty, the vast majority of patients seen in Pain Clinics suffer from conditions such as back pain, neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain, headaches, facial pain, sports injuries, post-surgical pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. Pain Medicine serves people of all ages and backgrounds.

As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to replace myths with science, fear with confidence, and hopelessness with evidence-based care. Modern Pain Medicine is not about simply reducing pain; it is about restoring movement, independence, productivity, and dignity.

Thank you.

Dr Ashish Chakravarty MBBS, MD, FIAPM, FIPP (USA), Director and Chief, Pain Medicine