AtremoPlus: our Clients report less pain! (part 1)

Our clients report significant pain reduction!

Most of our clients have Parkinson’s disease, and one of the most related problems with this challenging situation is handling different types of pain.

We asked this question about a possible evolution of pain in our recent customer feedback survey (you can still take it by clicking here to take it)!

The excellent news is that 64% of participants reported an average 63% improvement in their pain.

It is true that many people having Parkinson’s struggle with pain. We must, of course, differentiate between severe, moderate or light pain, and also if this pain occurs more or less permanently or occasionally.

However, what we can say is that pain is one of the conditions that are difficult to support and in our survey, nearly 68% of the participants report pain. This is a non-negligent factor affecting life quality. These findings are very similar to scientific findings: Prevalence frequency has indeed an average of 67.6%.  The pain fluctuates with on-off periods (Broen et al. 2012).

We are delighted to see that pain reduction, as a very concrete way of feeling better, is a game-changing element for AtremoPlus users in their daily lives, and we will dive deeper to understand better the world of pain as this is one of the most neglected problems many, many Parkinson disease sufferers face to different degrees every day.

What should we know about pain in Parkinson’s?

Pain is a common and often overlooked symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here are some scientific aspects and evidence related to pain in Parkinson’s disease:

1. Prevalence of Pain: Pain is a prevalent non-motor symptom in PD, affecting many individuals with the disease. Studies have reported that approximately 60-85% of people with PD experience pain at some point during the course of their illness.

2. Types of Pain: Pain in PD can take various forms, including musculoskeletal pain (e.g., joint and muscle pain), dystonic pain (caused by abnormal muscle contractions), neuropathic pain (resulting from nerve damage), and central pain (stemming from changes in the central nervous system).

3. Mechanisms: The exact mechanisms underlying pain in PD are not fully understood, but they are believed to be multifactorial. Possible contributors include changes in the central pain processing pathways, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and altered sensory perception.

4. Location: Pain in PD can manifest in different body regions, with the most common areas being the limbs, back, and neck. However, it can also affect other areas, such as the face and abdomen.

5. Motor Symptoms and Pain: There is evidence to suggest that motor symptoms of PD, such as rigidity and bradykinesia, may contribute to the development of pain by affecting posture and mobility. Additionally, fluctuations in motor symptoms throughout the day can influence pain perception.

6. Quality of Life Impact: Pain in PD can significantly impact the overall quality of life for individuals with the disease. It may lead to reduced physical activity, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

7. Treatment: Pain management in PD often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Medications, physical therapy, exercise, and non-pharmacological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy may be used to alleviate pain and improve overall well-being.

8. Assessment Tools: Healthcare professionals use various assessment tools and scales to evaluate pain in PD patients, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).

9. Research: Ongoing research seeks to better understand the mechanisms of pain in PD and develop more effective treatments. This research includes investigating the role of neurotransmitters, inflammation, and neuroplasticity in pain perception.

It’s essential for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to communicate any pain they experience to their healthcare providers, as early recognition and management of pain can lead to improved quality of life and well-being. Additionally, pain management strategies should be tailored to the specific type and location of pain in each individual with PD.

How does pain impact the life quality of people affected by Parkinson’s?

Pain can significantly impact the quality of life of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here’s a list of ways in which pain can affect the lives of PD patients:

1. Physical Discomfort: Pain, whether it’s musculoskeletal pain, dystonic pain, or neuropathic pain, can cause physical discomfort and distress, making it challenging for individuals to perform daily activities.

2. Mobility Issues: Pain can restrict mobility and lead to reduced physical activity. This, in turn, can exacerbate other motor symptoms of PD, such as stiffness and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

3. Sleep Disturbances: Chronic pain can interfere with sleep quality (see our previous newsletters on improved sleep quality with AtremoPlus), leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia. Poor sleep can further contribute to fatigue and worsen motor and non-motor symptoms.

4. Mood and Emotional Impact: Pain can lead to mood disturbances, including depression and anxiety. It can be emotionally draining and affect an individual’s overall sense of well-being.

5. Cognitive Function: Chronic pain may also impact cognitive function in individuals with PD, potentially leading to difficulties in concentration and memory.

6. Decreased Quality of Life: The presence of pain can significantly decrease the overall quality of life for PD patients. It can limit their ability to engage in enjoyable activities, spend time with loved ones, and maintain an active lifestyle.

7. Social Isolation: Pain can lead to reduced social participation due to discomfort and physical limitations. Individuals with PD may withdraw from social activities and experiences.

8. Increased Healthcare Costs: Chronic pain often necessitates additional healthcare interventions and expenses, which can add to the overall burden of living with Parkinson’s disease.

9. Emotional Stress on Caregivers: Pain in PD patients can also affect their caregivers’ quality of life. Caregivers may experience emotional stress and increased caregiving responsibilities.

10. Reduced Independence: Pain-related limitations can lead to reduced independence, as individuals with PD may require assistance with daily tasks that they could otherwise perform independently.

11. Adaptive Changes: To cope with pain, individuals may need to make adaptive changes in their home environment, mobility aids, or daily routines, which can impact their sense of normalcy.

Less pain, better life quality

In our following newsletter, we will try to find some explanations to understand possible mechanisms of action of the active ingredients contained in Atremoplus and consequently to understand the link with the reduced pain that most of our customers have reported.

Many of our customers tell us that they feel more alive and more present, and the reduction of pain is undoubtedly one of the elements that can contribute to this increased well-being and presence, as it is challenging to ignore the chronically present pain.

We are glad to contribute to the well-being of our clients and wish you a lovely day! 

Your Atremoplus Team