HEALTH TOPICS 
Laura Kiesel
Posts by Laura Kiesel
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Chronic pain and childhood trauma
As it becomes more apparent that there is a connection between childhood trauma and physical and emotional health problems in adults, treatment approaches that acknowledge this link are likely to be more effective on both sides.
The cost of chronic pain
Even with comprehensive insurance, people with chronic conditions must shoulder the costs of many treatment-related expenses that are not covered because they are considered complementary or alternative therapies.
Addiction, the opioid crisis, and family pain
The changes in understanding around substance use disorders are making treatment more readily available to those who need it and reducing the stigma attached to addiction, but may make those with addiction in their family history feel that the change has come too late for them.
Women and pain: Disparities in experience and treatment
Most people dealing with chronic pain are women, but most pain research has been done on men. The disparity in how women are diagnosed and treated is unfair, and can be dangerous.
Lessons from a chronic pain management program
Comprehensive programs for chronic pain involve a variety of components, from body mechanics to nutrition to occupational therapy and beyond. And while there is no easy fix for chronic pain, and sometimes no permanent fix at all, unexpected victories can be made in the search for answers.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A mystery solved
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder most commonly characterized by joints that stretch too far, pain, and greater susceptibility to injury. Awareness of the condition is not high, which can make getting an accurate diagnosis difficult.
Chronic illness is a part-time job. It shouldn’t be
As currently structured, the American health care system makes it very difficult for those with chronic illnesses to manage their conditions, causing them to perform the equivalent of unpaid labor.
Yes, I’ve tried that too: When well-intentioned advice hurts
If you know someone dealing with chronic pain it’s tempting to offer advice, but whatever the suggestion might be, that person has almost certainly tried it already. Simply taking time to listen and empathize may be more helpful.
Chronic pain: The “invisible” disability
Conditions that cause chronic pain are not always easy to diagnose, and sometimes doctors can be dismissive of people with pain that does not have a readily identifiable cause.