Taking Control of Your Chronic Pain

All of us will experience pain throughout our lives, but there are many who suffer from chronic pain that makes day-to-day activities unbearable. Chronic pain can develop from injuries to the spine, skin or nerves, and it often lasts for months or years on end. Luckily, depending on your circumstances, there are a variety of options for pain management, including chiropractic care, massage therapy and electrical stimulation. These, among others, are highly effective at eliminating pain so that you can move like normal again. Find out how you can take control of your chronic pain with this guide!

Acute vs. Chronic Pain

When it comes to pain, it’s important to understand what types of pain occur and which one is affecting your life before you can properly treat it. The most common forms of pain are acute and chronic pain. Acute pain lasts around three months or less, is relatively short-lived and tells us immediately when we have hurt ourselves. Acute pain is a trigger for our bodies to go into certain modes, such as withdrawal (taking your hand out of a fire), protection (tensing of muscles around an injury to prevent re-injury), avoidance (avoiding certain activities for fear of re-injury) and rest (to allow the body to heal). Injuries like a bee sting or a scraped knee would be considered acute in nature. On the other hand, chronic pain is constant and lasts for more than three months at a time and occurs between 2-3 times per week or more. This type of pain could manifest itself as aching knees from arthritis, neck tightness, hip problems from sciatica, migraines and burning sensations in the feet, hands or back. Chronic pain usually develops over time and increases in intensity until it becomes debilitating. When these symptoms occur, it typically means that something more serious is going on that will need to be treated by a medical professional for fast (and efficient) resolution. Before we reach the different forms of treatment available for chronic pain, though, let’s discuss what conditions cause it to develop in the first place and which risk factors increase your likelihood of experiencing pain.

Causes of Chronic Pain

Daily pain can occur through many forms, and some patients suffer from multiple combinations of pain that makes daily living almost impossible. Pain is the number one reason why patients visit the doctor, and 30-50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, specifically, each year. It’s no wonder why there are so many different treatment options and at-home remedies to treat pain-nearly a sixth of the population deals with it on a regular basis! In some instances, the reason your chronic pain is occurring is unknown. However, most patients have a direct cause or medical condition that is causing their symptoms. A big reason that patients experience chronic pain is nerve damage, which can develop from a traumatic injury or medical issues like diabetes. Fibromyalgia is another contributor to constant, long-lasting pain as it’s one of the most common symptoms that patients suffering from this disorder report. Herniated discs or spinal misalignments in the back can cause chronic back pain, and whiplash from a car accident or rollercoaster ride can increase neck and shoulder irritation. Even shingles or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to chronic, everyday pain. Some patients have depleted cartilage between their joints, making it difficult to move easily and pain-free. And although not as common, mental health disorders, like depression, can increase your chances of experiencing chronic pain, as well. Chronic pain most often develops in those with high levels of stress, obesity and women, though aging, heredity and recently having a major surgery can increase your chances, as well. Depending on what issues you’re experiencing, your doctor will recommend a combination of treatments to help you heal quickly. Before performing any at-home remedies, though, make sure to speak with your doctor to ensure that the treatment you’re looking at doing will not cause harmful side effects. Meeting with a medical professional as soon as you notice chronic pain symptoms will be your best bet at getting over your pain quickly and safely.

How To Treat Your Pain

Treating chronic pain is a complex and personal process, so there are usually no cure-alls or one-size-fits-all option for every person. One of the first things that doctors recommend are pain medications, which include NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Acetaminophen, antidepressant/anti-seizure medications and opioids. Doctors prefer to put patients on opioids only as a last alternative when other medications have failed. Opioids are known to cause dependence, abuse and addiction, and should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. However, if you’re not comfortable taking pain medication or prefer a natural form of treatment, you can try chiropractic care and spinal manipulations to relieve stress and tension in the body or massage therapy to loosen up tense muscles. Electrical stimulation therapies are also available to soothe damaged nerves, or you can try allergy testing to see if something in your diet is causing your symptoms. You and your doctor should discuss all of these treatments to determine which would fit your needs and wants the best. If you have any questions or concerns regarding treatment, make sure to speak with your doctor before beginning. Knowing your limits and what your body is capable of doing is an important part of the healing process, so keep that in mind as you begin treatment.

Heal Faster With Our Help!

At Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center, we’re committed to your health and can help you overcome your chronic pain symptoms. Whether you need a spinal adjustment or want a medical evaluation, we can help! Call our office at (512) 806-0015 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaner and his staff. Don’t let your pain control your life anymore-call today to start your journey to a pain-free life again!