Have you ever experienced a pain that took more than a week or a month that disturbed the quality of your life, work, and your mental health? Such illness or pain that stays more than a week, a month, or sometimes a year is referred to as chronic pain. Consult the best pain specialist in Bangalore for complete guidance regarding the treatment for chronic pain. While some acute pains caused by injury can heal within a week or so, chronic pain takes a longer time to heal. In this blog, let us understand more about chronic pain: causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What Is Chronic Pain?
A pain that stays for more than three months and continues even after normal healing methods. It can affect any part of your body and may be continuous or periodic . This pain may affect your movement, sleep, and mental health, and may lead to frustration and disrupt your lifestyle.
Common Causes And Contributors Of Chronic Pain
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Musculoskeletal Conditions:
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Arthritis:
An age-related problem caused by inflammation of the joints, leading to stiffness and pain.
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Osteoporosis:
Another age-related pain is where bone density decreases, causing fragility and discomfort.
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Fibromyalgia:
It is a health issue that causes musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.
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Past Injuries or Surgeries:
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Nerve damage (Neuropathy):
It results from injuries, diabetes, or infections.
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Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS):
Ongoing pain after spinal surgery.
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Nerve Disorders:
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Sciatica:
A pain caused from the lower back to the leg due to nerve compression.
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS):
Caused due to intense, long-lasting pain after an injury.
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Chronic Illnesses:
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Migraines:
Constant headaches that lead to severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light/sound.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
It is a neurological disorder that causes nerve pain and muscle stiffness.
- Other causes, like improper posture, constant strain, psychological stress, trauma, and inflammatory conditions, are also causes of chronic pain.
Common Symptoms Of Chronic Pain
- Persistent pain
- Limited mobility and limited flexibility
- Fatigue
- Emotional distress, like depression, anxiety, and mood shifts
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Treatment Options
The treatment option, as suggested by pain specialists in Bangalore like Alleviate Pain Clinic, is as follows.
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Medication & Medical Treatments
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- Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs and acetaminophen.
- Take prescribed medications whenever necessary but under a doctor’s supervision.
- Corticosteroid injections that reduce inflammation or testosterone online.
- Nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation are given for targeted pain relief.
- PRP Injections (Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy 부산출장) in which the body’s own healing properties are used to regenerate damaged tissues.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that helps to stimulate tissue repair and pain relief.
- MLS Robotic Laser Therapy is an advanced laser treatment to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy is a mild and non-invasive treatment for relieving pressure on spinal discs and nerves.
- Botox Injections are given to treat chronic pain by relaxing muscles and reducing nerve pain signals.
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Physical Therapy & Exercise:
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- Stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Yoga and Tai Chi help in improving flexibility and relaxation and reducing the intensity of pain.
- Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, and swimming maintain joint functions and reduce pain.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
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- Healthy diets like eating anti-inflammatory foods, including berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish, help in reducing the pain.
- A better sleep routine can help in fast recovery.
- Improving your posture and using supportive furniture can minimize chronic pain caused by prolonged sitting or repetitive activities.
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Mind-Body Techniques:
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- Meditation and mindfulness help to minimize stress-related pain by promoting relaxation.
- Massage therapy relieves muscle tension and improves blood circulation.
- Acupuncture is a natural way of healing and reducing pain by stimulation.
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Alternative Therapies:
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- Herbal supplements will also reduce pain and inflammation.
- Heat and cold therapy relieves your muscles and reduces inflammation.
- Chiropractic care helps to align the body to improve pain relief and posture.
- A TENS Unit is one of the electrical nerve stimulations used for non-invasive pain relief.
- Bracing gives support and stability to reduce strain and improve mobility.
Conclusion
Chronic pains are usually caused by various issues like underlying health issues, age problems, injuries and surgeries, and other problems that last for more than a week, month, or year. However, with proper diagnosis and medications, you can easily relieve the chronic pain.