Chronic Pain: Types, Causes, and Treatments

Chronic pain is part of life for an alarming number of individuals in the United States. In fact, it’s estimated that around 20% of people suffer from chronic pain and around 8% of those individuals suffer from high-impact chronic pain.

With chronic pain being so common, it’s important to know its different types, potential causes, and the kinds of treatments available.

So, let’s discuss everything you should know about chronic pain and its treatment.

Types and Causes

Pain can vary greatly, from mild aching to high-intensity throbbing and various levels of pain in between. However, chronic pain is usually categorized based on its origin.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is nerve-related pain, either in the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system. Your central nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord. Your peripheral nervous system is comprised of the nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord.

The system affected depends on the underlying cause of the pain. For instance, diabetes and shingles affect the peripheral nervous system. With diabetes, uncontrolled sugar levels damage the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which usually starts with the legs and feet. Shingles develop from a viral infection, and in some people, the virus damages the nerve fibers that send messages between the skin and brain.

Conditions like multiple sclerosis affect the central nervous system. This condition causes damage to the protective sheath of your nerve fibers, which results in a disruption with nerve communication, leading to pain and mobility issues.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Musculoskeletal pain affects muscles and other soft tissues or bones. Arthritis falls under this category. This condition causes swelling and pain in the joints. Sometimes, it can even affect your mobility.

Another cause of musculoskeletal pain is fibromyalgia, which is known to cause widespread muscle pain. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia occurs due to an amplification of pain signals by your brain and spinal cord.

Visceral Pain

Visceral pain feels like it’s in your organs. Only certain organs can cause visceral pain since not all your organs are rich in nerves. Some examples of organs that could be in pain include your gall bladder, kidneys, and bladder.

Treatments

The treatment for your chronic pain depends on the type of pain you have. Generally, our pain management center focuses on the nerve and musculoskeletal pain. The chronic pain treatment you receive depends on your specific condition, but these are some examples of possible treatments:

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is for back pain. During this treatment, your practitioner will connect you to a device that gently stretches your spine. It takes the pressure off the sensitive discs, so they may heal.

Physical Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation can help you regain function in a certain area after an injury. While enhancing your recovery, physical therapy also has the potential to ease your pain.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid is a clear substance found naturally in the body. It helps maintain water in your tissue.

Your doctor may advise hyaluronic acid injections for your knee pain to lubricate the joint. It also acts like a shock absorber, which can reduce your discomfort, as well.

Spinal Manipulation

Your practitioner may recommend spinal manipulation, which consists of moving your vertebrae. The goal is to have them realign with your discs to ease pressure on the discs, soft tissue, and nerves in the area.

Why Choose Our Pain Management Center in Blue Springs, MO

The aforementioned pain management methods are just some of the techniques we offer for chronic pain management at Core Medical Center. Our practitioners believe in the power of healing and getting to the root of the problem, as opposed to just covering up the pain with medications. Plus, we offer natural treatments, too!

To target your pain effectively, contact Core Medical Center, serving Blue Springs and the nearby region. We want to help you live your best life without pain. Call us at (816) 286-2963 or use our online appointment booking tool.