If you’re living with chronic painChronic Pain is an ongoing or long-term pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, typically caused by an underlying disease, disorder,… More, you’re not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in every four adults in the United States lives with a chronic painPain lasting longer than 3-6 months that causes functional disability or distress and persists longer than normal healing would take. condition. Of those, 20% live with pain that is severe enough to negatively impact their daily lives. If you’re among the millions of Americans struggling to find pain relief, know that you’re not alone and there are options available to you.
What is Chronic Pain?
ChronicA condition of slow progression that continues over a long period of time, opposite of acute. pain is defined as any pain lasting more than 12 weeks. An injury can cause it, illness, or surgery. The pain is ongoing and lasts for years for some people. Chronic pain can be mild, moderate, or severe. It can be constant or intermittent. And it can significantly interfere with your quality of life.
Types of Chronic Pain Conditions & When To Seek Pain Clinics
There are many different types of chronic pain conditions, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments. Some of the most common include:
-Arthritis: Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which results from the wear and tear on joints over time. Other types include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder that attacks healthy tissue), gout (a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid), and fibromyalgiaCondition causing widespread soft tissue/muscle pain and tenderness to light touch attributed to oversensitized nerves. (a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal painAche, tension or stiffness affecting muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones.).
1: Back Pain:
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical treatment. It can be caused by muscular imbalances, poor posture, injuries, or conditions like herniated disks or degenerative disk disease.
2: Cancer Pain
Cancer pain occurs when cancerous tumors press on nerves or other organs in the body. It can also be caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
3: Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches are defined as headaches that occur 15 or more days per month for at least three months. They can be caused by conditions like migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches.
4: Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic painPain caused by nerve damage or abnormal nerve signaling disruption. Common in diabetes, shingles, and chemotherapy. is caused by damage to the nervous system itself. This can be due to injuries, infections, diabetes, stroke, cancer, or shingles.
5: Visceral Pain
Visceral pain originates from the organs in the body’s abdomen and chest cavity (also known as viscera). It’s often a sharp, piercing sensation caused by disorders like pancreatitis or kidney stones.
6: Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
If you’re living with chronic pain, there are many different treatment options available to you depending on your individual situation and preferences. Some people endure a lifetime of Joint Pain but find relief with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen while others need prescription strength medication for their condition. Other popular options include physical therapyTreatment approaches like therapeutic exercises, hot/cold therapies and manual joint manipulation to improve mobility and reduce muscul… More (to help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility), acupuncture (a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body), massage therapy (to help relax tight muscles), and chiropractic care (to correct alignment issues and improve range of motion). There is no one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain management; what works for one person may not work for another. Talk to your doctor about your options to find a treatment plan that’s right for you.
To Summarize:
Living with chronic pain can be difficult but there are treatments available that can help lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about your options so that you can find a treatment plan that’s right for you..