Pain serves an important role. It lets you know that something is wrong that needs your attention. When the body heals, pain normally goes away.
When pain lasts longer than 3 months, it's called chronic pain. This is pain that's present even after the body has healed. Chronic pain can cause mood problems and get in the way of your relationships and your daily life.
A number of conditions can cause chronic pain. Some of the more common causes include:
-
Previous surgery.
-
An old injury.
-
Infection.
-
Diseases, such as diabetes.
-
Nerve damage.
-
A back injury.
-
Arthritis.
-
Migraines or other headaches.
-
Fibromyalgia.
-
Cancer.
Depression and stress can make chronic pain symptoms worse. In some cases, a cause for the pain can't be found.
Treatment
Treatment can greatly reduce pain. In many cases, pain can become less severe, occur less often, and interfere less with your daily life. Chronic pain is often treated with a combination of medicines, therapies, and lifestyle changes. You will work closely with your health care provider to find a treatment plan that works best for you.
-
Ask your provider for a referral to a pain management specialty center. These centers can provide the most recent and proven pain management strategies, along with emotional support and comprehensive services.
-
Several different types of medicines may be prescribed for chronic pain. Work with your provider to make a medicine plan that helps manage your pain.
-
Physical therapy can help reduce certain types of chronic pain.
-
Occupational therapy teaches you how to do routine tasks of daily living in ways that cause less pain.
-
Counseling can help you cope better with stress and pain.
-
Other therapies, such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback, massage, and acupuncture, can also help manage chronic pain.
-
Changing certain habits can help reduce chronic pain:
-
Eat healthy foods.
-
Develop an exercise routine.
-
Get enough sleep.
-
Stop smoking, and limit alcohol use.
-
Lose excess weight.
-
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider as advised. Let your provider know if your current treatment plan is working or if changes are needed.
To learn more
For more information, contact:
-
American Headache and Migraine Association at americanheadachesociety.org or 856-423-0043.
-
American Chronic Pain Association at theacpa.org or 800-533-3231.
