Chronic pain is pain that can come from any part(s) of the body that lasts for more than three months.
The pain doesn’t have to be consistent; some come and go. There are innumerable causes of pain and sometime can be hard to detect. However, there are many healthcare and lifestyle options available that can improve or make chronic pain more manageable.
Types of Chronic Pain
According to Cleveland Clinic, the most common types of chronic pain recorded are joint pain, back pain, cancer, irritable bowel disease, ulcers, endometriosis, headaches, neck, and nerve pain. The feeling associated with these pains varies from each person as pain is often subjective. If left untreated, the pain can cause other symptoms such as stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Some may find that it can also affect their finances and relationships.
Healthcare Treatments
Any form of chronic pain should be reported to a doctor. However, everyone’s chronic pain is different, and finding the best treatment plan may take time. Here are some treatment options healthcare professionals may recommend helping deal with specific chronic pain:
Medications
NSAIDs – Examples of these include Naproxen sodium, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and others. These assist in reducing inflammation and fever. Healthcare providers suggest using NSAIDs to treat certain pains such as arthritis, back pain, toothaches, and menstrual cramps. There are many types and can come in the form of prescription or non-prescription.
Acetaminophen – Examples of prescription and non-prescription brands include Tylenol, NyQuil, Endocet, and others. This is used to relieve mild to moderate pain by cooling the body. Treatment is usually recommended to manage certain pains such as back and muscle aches, fever, and toothaches.
Opioids – Examples of common prescription brands include Morphine, Hydrocodone, Methadone, and others. Opioids are usually prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Common pain types that healthcare professionals would recommend when using opioids include post-surgical pain, cancer-related pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. However, because of its high addiction potential, it is usually prescribed less often, in low doses, and for a short period.
Therapy Treatments
Physical Therapy – Physical therapists are a great option for treating areas of weakness or stiffness that are causing pain. The reason a doctor may recommend physical therapy is to help the body become stronger and for the patient to feel better. Physical therapy treatments may offer exercise routines, heat and ice packs, and massages.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves treating psychological responses to pain such as negative thoughts and behaviors. The goal is to help individuals change their perspective about their pain, which may eventually lead to better coping mechanisms. Pain can cause stress, and stress can reduce the pain control chemicals, making the feeling a lot worse.
Other Forms of Treatment
Exercise – Exercise is a common form of treatment for chronic pain. Some chronic pain, such as back and arm pain, are caused by inactivity which leads to stiff muscles and less strength. Not only is exercise good for physical pain but also helps ease mental stress and disorders. Incorporating a variety of exercises like aerobic, anaerobic, and HIIT workouts will help strengthen the body to fight chronic pain.
Diet – Having a balanced healthy diet that consist of whole foods and antioxidants can help decrease inflammation and promote healing. Ultra-processed foods and seed oils found in many restaurants and groceries stores increases inflammation, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and many more health issues. Foods that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients can assist in fighting or increasing vitamins that some might be deficient in. Doctors may recommend consulting to a dietician to create goals and food plans that can help manage chronic pain.
There are many options of treatment when dealing with chronic pain. The best approach is speaking with a doctor to help identify the source and receiving additional resources they may propose to help manage the pain.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the most common types of chronic pain recorded are joint pain, back pain, cancer, irritable bowel disease, ulcers, endometriosis, headaches, neck, and nerve pain.
Almost 21% of the U.S. population — 51.6 million adults — lives with chronic pain.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4798-chronic-pain
https://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain-medication-decisions/art-20360371
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21127-opioids
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/cognitive-behavioral
https://www.healthline.com/health/exercises-to-reduce-chronic-pain