What is chronic pain?
A pain that persists for over three months can be termed chronic pain. It may be around all the time, or it may even come and go, but it can occur anywhere in the body.
It makes daily activities such as work and social life difficult and may even lead to depression, sleep issues, and anxiety.
What’s the difference between chronic pain and other pain?
There is a fundamental difference between chronic and acute pain. The chronic pain lasts over a long time and persists after one has recovered from an illness or injury. Acute pain is sudden and intense but will not last long, and the pain reduces with time.
Causes of Chronic Pain
The causes of chronic pain may or may not be distinguishable. Some lasting pains such as cancer or arthritis are obvious, and some injuries and diseases that cause bodily changes are also easily distinguishable.
In some cases such as broken bones or sprains, it can leave one with chronic pain.
Diagnosis of Chronic Pain
Treatment and diagnosis need to be done by a physician with training in pain management. It is usually done in the following way:
- Medical records and X-rays are studied.
- Physical exams are conducted.
- The pain is described, and the intensity, location, duration, etc, are also asked about.
- A detailed questionnaire is given to ask about the impact of pain on your general lifestyle and how it manifests in your daily life.
- Tests for diagnosis and treatment are also usually recommended.
Risk Factors of Chronic Pain
There are a lot of conditions that can cause or influence chronic pain, such as:
Genetics
Some chronic pains are genetic, such as migraines.
Obesity
Health conditions such as obesity can trigger chronic pain and also worsen it over time. In things such as arthritis, the extra weight puts extra pressure on the joints.
Previous Injury
Previous injuries, if lingering or having caused intense damage to the body, can be a cause of chronic pain.
Stress
Chronic pain is also linked with stress and can be seen in PTSD.
When should you consult a doctor for chronic pain?
If, even after taking measures and precautions and self-remedial tactics, the pain doesn’t ebb away, it is time to see a doctor about it. The pain if it persists for more than 3–4 months, is not something that should be taken very lightly.
Untreated anxiety and depression can also cause psychosomatic pain in the body, which can worsen the already existing pain.
Who Treats Chronic Pain?
A lot of professionals can be involved when treating chronic pain.
The team can include neurologists and neurosurgeons, orthopaedics, anaesthetists, oncologists, nurses, psychiatrists, physical therapists, social workers, and even psychologists.
There are usually special pain-related programs in many hospitals and rehab facilities.
Physiatrists for Chronic Pain
The treatment is aimed to help the person lead a more pain-free and functional life without having to go through surgery.
Physical Therapists for Chronic Pain
Of the available options to treat chronic pain, physical therapy is usually recommended the most. Treatment can help address why the patient is feeling a particular sensation in the first place and strengthen related muscle groups to improve endurance and range of motion.
Occupational Therapists for Chronic Pain
These therapists are able to combine a mixture of the social, psychological as well as biological factors which may be involved in chronic pain.
This is to ultimately develop a treatment plan that will aim to manage the pain. All of the treatment needs to be individualised to meet the needs of the person.
Psychologists for Chronic Pain
Psychologists specialise in assisting individuals in managing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours associated with chronic pain. They provide support to individuals and families, whether through their own private practice or as integral members of healthcare teams within clinical environments.
These professionals will be able to guide the person to be able to cope mentally via their thoughts, behaviours, and feelings. They work with both individuals as well as the families involved to be able to get the pain management skills at a better place.
Chronic Pain Treatment
The healthcare providers first try to identify the cause of the pain. If the source is not found, then there are other treatments for pain management that are involved.
Therapy options available for Chronic Pain
There are certain therapies that can help to manage chronic pain, such as:
CBT for Chronic Pain
CBT helps to think and rethink certain ways about how the pain is perceived and allows one to cope in a more helpful way.
Counselling for Chronic Pain
Talk therapy allows one to manage the pain in a better way—even when there is psychogenic pain that is involved.
Occupational therapy for Chronic Pain
This kind of therapy allows one to deal with everyday tasks to lessen the pain or even to avoid getting injured in the future.
Physical therapy for Chronic Pain
Physical therapy has a lot of exercises that are involved–stretching and body strengthening the body, which can help with pain reduction.
Get Help for Chronic Pain with Cadabams
We at Cadabam’s provide chronic pain treatment in Hyderabad. With 30+ years of experience, our medical and mental health professionals understand the physical, psychological, emotional, and lifestyle challenges that a person with chronic pain faces. Our treatment plans made in collaboration with relevant professionals help address these unique challenges for each individual.
Our holistic approach to treatment aims to help you relieve and manage your pain, deal with the emotional challenges and life stressors that contribute to chronic pain, and equip you with tools that help you cope and enhance your quality of life. Our psychiatrists, counselors, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, and family therapists are with you – at your rescue.
If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years.
We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their Chronic Pain. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.
Therapy Options for Chronic Pain Treatment
FAQs
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for over three months. The pain can be there all the time, or it may come and go. It can happen anywhere in your body. Chronic pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as working, having a social life and taking care of yourself or others.
How do you fix chronic pain?
Unfortunately there is no cure as such for chronic pain. The only thing that can be done is to treat the cause. For example, if one has joint pain then one should treat arthritis. There is a combination of therapies, medicine as well as lifestyle changes that can be implemented.
How to manage pain?
Other than lifestyle changes, medicine, and therapy, one needs to take good care of oneself. Some things that can be done are:
- Lessen/avoid smoking.
- Give time for self-care, and avoid doing too much.
- Get into a healthy diet.
- Try to exercise every day.
- Sleep enough.
- Try to manage your stress levels.
What causes you to experience chronic pain?
The causes of chronic pain may or may not be distinguishable. Some lasting pains such as cancer or arthritis are obvious, and some injuries and diseases that cause bodily changes are also easily distinguishable. In some cases such as broken bones or sprains, it can leave one with chronic pain.
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