Chronic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
It can affect any part of the body and interfere with daily activities, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Chronic pain lasts for more than three months or extends beyond the expected healing time after an injury or illness. Inflammation, nerve damage, arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and other conditions can cause chronic pain. A person may experience chronic pain without a clear cause, which is called idiopathic chronic pain.
Symptoms of Chronic Pain
The main symptom of chronic pain is persistent or recurrent pain that does not go away or improve with time. The pain can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration. Its symptoms may include: aching, burning, stabbing, shooting, throbbing, or tingling. Other symptoms may accompany the pain, including:
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Fatigue
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Irritability
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Anger
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Frustration
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Guilt
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Hopelessness
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Isolation
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Difficulty concentrating
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Memory problems
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Reduced appetite
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Insomnia
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Weakened immune system
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Increased sensitivity to pain
Diagnosis of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is diagnosed based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and sometimes diagnostic tests. As well as how the pain affects the patient's daily life and emotional well-being, the doctor will ask about its location, intensity, quality, and duration. Additionally, the doctor will look for signs of inflammation, infection, injury, or nerve damage. It is possible for the doctor to order tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, nerve conduction studies, or electromyography, to rule out or confirm the underlying cause of the pain.
Treatment of Chronic Pain
Depending on the cause, severity, and impact of chronic pain on the patient's life, chronic pain can be treated in a variety of ways. Treatment may include:
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Medications: An acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or opioid may be prescribed by the doctor to relieve the pain. Also, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, or topical creams to treat pain or associated symptoms. The patient should follow the doctor's instructions on how to use the medications safely and effectively, and report any side effects or complications.
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As a means of easing pain and improving mobility, the patient may benefit from non-drug therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, biofeedback, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), heat, cold, or ultrasound. In addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, hypnosis, and counseling, the patient may also try cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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For the purpose of targeting the source of pain or blocking the pain signals, the doctor may recommend interventional procedures, such as injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, or surgery. Patients who fail to respond to other treatments or who suffer from severe pain that limits their ability to function usually undergo these procedures.
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To improve their health and well-being and reduce the risk of chronic pain, the patient may also make some lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and engaging in enjoyable activities.
Prevention of Chronic Pain
The prevention of chronic pain is not always possible, but the patient can take some steps to lower the chances of developing or worsening chronic pain, such as:
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Seeking medical attention for any acute pain or injury, and following the treatment plan
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Avoiding activities or movements that may aggravate the pain or cause further damage
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Using proper posture, ergonomics, and equipment when working, sitting, or lifting
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Wearing protective gear when playing sports or doing physical activities
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Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
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Strengthening the muscles and joints that support the spine and the limbs
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Practicing good oral hygiene and dental care
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Taking care of any chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or cancer, and following the doctor’s advice
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Learning how to manage and cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues
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Seeking help from a professional or a support group if the pain becomes overwhelming or affects the mental health
It can be challenging and debilitating to suffer from chronic pain, but patients can improve their quality of life and their pain with proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. If the patient has any questions or concerns about their pain, they should consult their doctor and follow their advice.
