The Dangers of Self Diagnosing

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We're all guilty of it. If we fear some issue that’s lingered in our bodies for too long, we head to Doctor Google for a quick search that brings up hundreds of results, with many of them being life-threatening. However, when we rely on Google to diagnose our problems, this becomes a very dangerous cycle. But why is this and what can we do to get out of this problem that so many of us fall prey to?

The Issue Of Convenience

For some, it’s quicker to type a few words rather than go to the doctor either out of fear, previous bad experiences with medical providers, or because of a financial issues. Another reason people avoid the doctor is due to getting the run around and not having your symptoms addressed or treated properly. For example, for those with chronic pain, it can be very frustrating when a medical professional has to refer you for further tests. In the meantime this only compounds the anxieties. It's unsurprising that many go on the internet to see what the problem is.

But unfortunately, this is no replacement for a healthcare professional.

Self- diagnosing can lead you to jump to conclusions about your symptoms and you could begin improper treatment or miss more symptoms as many psychiatric and physical conditions can sometime mimic each other.

Being Hesitant To Speak To A Doctor

There is a term for people who continually search for their symptoms online and believe that they're suffering from the results that pop up. Cyberchondria is incredibly common. As the ease of access to Doctor Google means not going to the doctor, this can result in us moving away from the advice of professionally trained healthcare professionals.

Why We Need To Keep Our Perspective

While many are continually relying on Doctor Google to provide the real answer, the fact is, we've got to nip this in the bud. We've got to keep our perspective of events. Because after all, it's unlikely we’re suffering from a rare medical condition. For example, the increase of people who went to the doctor believing they had ALS after the ice bucket challenge highlights just how much cyberchondria there is in the world. Instead, what you could do, if you believe yourself to have a psychiatric or medical condition, is to make a note of all the symptoms, and show to your doctor what this is pointing towards. The doctor can then evaluate you, which can confirm or deny your suspicions.

In conclusion, while self-diagnosing through Doctor Google can be convenient, it can be dangerous. It leads us down a path of anxiety, where we will end up afraid to go out and do anything. While hypochondriacs are suffering from a debilitating mental health condition, nowadays, with the ease of access to information, cyberchondria isn't far behind. After all, we all have access to a phone with millions of web pages. So the next time you feel you have some problem that won't go away, do yourself a favor and go to a doctor.

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Chronic Pain Care & Management

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NOTE: Content is not a substitute for treatment or therapy, and as always, please consult with your healthcare provider.

If you have chronic pain it can be an emotional struggle as well as a physical one.

In my work with chronic pain patients, one treatment approach I use includes solution-focused interventions rooted in mindfulness. Instead of thinking ‘why me’, look at the situation from a ‘what now, how will I deal with this’ perspective.  A new mindset can make the situation less stressful, and if you are less anxious, your body will cope with the pain better.


Learn To Relax

Pain occurs to warn you that there is something wrong with your body. It is often in the muscles, but can occur in other parts of the body as well- such as the nerves. If your body is tense the pain could be worse, but learning to relax can aid in lessening the effects of it.

Calming your body down is the objective, and you have to find the best method of relaxing your muscles that suits you and helps to improve your well-being. Some people are lucky enough just to be able to sit back and it happens naturally, where others will have to do progressive muscle relaxing for it to work.

Rest

Some people with painful conditions feel exhausted throughout the day, but may find it difficult to rest due to the high demands of living in today’s society. However, rest is a key factor in proper recovery, so making sure that you listen to your body and try to incorporate rest breaks throughout your day will aid in rejuvenating your body, and could reduce some pain related symptoms.

Don’t Overdo It

If your chronic pain is a bit easier after a few days of rest and relaxation, don’t suddenly try to do everything you normally would. Overdoing it can delay your recovery so even if you are feeling better, take it easy for a while longer. Perhaps doing light tasks can suffice, but keep them simple or you could be back at square one.

Eat Foods That Are Anti-Inflammatory

There are some foods and herbs such as turmeric, oily fish, red fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens that have anti-inflammatory properties. Carrots, squash, watermelon, and peaches are all additions to your diet that could help.

Seek Help from a Medical Professional

There is help available if you’re experiencing in chronic pain. Your healthcare provider is a first step in treatment, or you can visit a specialist- like a chiropractor or physical therapist. Moreover, depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing, you could also try acupuncture or massage therapy.

Another alternative medical approach uses feedback modalities- such as Neurofeedback or Biofeedback. These non-invasive treatment therapies help teach you how to control your own physiology, and in many cases, can reduce pain symptoms in the back, neck, nerves and other areas.

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