Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than twelve weeks. Pain typically results from an injury. Once that injury heals, the pain should go away. However, chronic pain causes the body to continue to send pain signals to the brain, causing the affected area to feel varying sensations. Pain can come and go randomly or remain consistent.
The types of pain people often complain of are:
- Cancer pain
- Post-trauma pain
- Headache and migraine
- Arthritis pain
- Psychogenic pain (pain that doesn’t result from injury, nerve damage, or disease)
- Lower back pain
- Postsurgical pain
- Neurogenic pain (pain due to nerve damage)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20.4% of adults experienced chronic pain in 2019. Another 7.4% claimed their chronic pain interfered with their job or daily routine.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Injuries can lead to chronic pain. It develops when there’s damage to the nerves that transmit signals to the brain. The damage can cause pain to feel more intense and last longer. Without a prior injury, it can be difficult to explain why a patient is experiencing chronic pain. Some experts believe it can occur because of underlying health conditions, including:
- Fibromyalgia – Widespread muscle and bone pain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome – Prolonged and extreme weariness arising with pain
- Interstitial cystitis – Chronic disorder causing bladder pain and pressure
- Inflammatory bowel disease – Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract
- Endometriosis – Disorder resulting in tissue formation outside the uterus
- Vulvodynia – Pain in the vulva with no apparent cause
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction – Painful popping, clicking, or locking of the jaw
Symptoms of chronic pain are often described as:
- Stinging
- Dull aching
- Shooting
- Stiffness
- Squeezing
- Throbbing
- Burning
- Soreness
These symptoms could occur along with:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Mood changes
- Lack of hunger
- Weakness
How To Treat Chronic Pain
Your symptoms might affect your daily routine and significantly reduce your qualify of life. There are various options available for managing your pain depending on what’s causing it and how severe it is. In some cases, it might be necessary to combine multiple treatments to find relief.
The different treatment options for chronic pain you can choose from are:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Trigger point injections
- Surgical implant
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy
- Bioelectric therapy
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Psychological treatment
- Alternative therapies
- Mind-body therapies
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatment and massage
- Therapeutic touch and Reiki healing
- Herbal and nutritional supplements
- Dietary changes
Contact AllCare Health & Pain to Manage Your Pain
At AllCare Health & Pain, we have an experienced and dedicated team who provides patients with the services they need to manage their pain. We offer various treatment options that can significantly improve your quality of life and help you get back to your normal routine. You should not have to suffer and be forced to give up your job or the activities you love because of your symptoms. Let us evaluate your medical condition and create the right plan so that you can live a happier and healthier life.
Reach out to AllCare Health & Pain by calling 201-386-8800 or complete our online form so we can provide the services you need and deserve.