Chronic pain is any discomfort that continues for three months or more. It can be triggered by various health issues, but being assigned female at birth or older than 65 years can make you more susceptible. In the U.S., about 20% of adults deal with chronic pain, and over 7% face “high impact” chronic pain, which limits their ability to work, study, or carry out everyday tasks.
Each person’s experience with chronic pain is unique, with symptoms varying depending on the affected body part and the root cause of the pain. If not addressed, chronic pain can interfere with daily life and affect mental health. Thankfully, there are therapies that might offer some relief, though your treatment plan will be customized to suit your symptoms and overall health condition.
Healthcare professionals categorize chronic pain based on its origin or the process causing it. Commonly, chronic pain appears in areas like the back, head, neck, arms, legs, or joints such as knees or wrists. The specific type of pain you feel depends on its cause and may involve multiple types of discomfort.
Living with chronic pain can lead to extra symptoms, known as secondary effects, like fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, or irritability. More than two-thirds of those with chronic pain also develop psychiatric issues such as depression or anxiety. Chronic pain often arises when nerves are activated following an infection, injury, or tissue damage, or due to heightened activity within pain centers. Some health conditions can permanently change how your nerves respond, increasing sensitivity to pain.
While anyone can experience chronic pain, some factors increase the likelihood of symptoms. If you suspect you have chronic pain, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial. They’ll ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and medications, and may perform tests to pinpoint the cause.
Your specific treatment for chronic pain will depend on its cause. While some may aim to completely eliminate the pain, for others, the goal is to reduce the pain and manage its impact on daily life. Treatments might include medications or therapies.
For severe or unyielding chronic pain, your doctor might suggest transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses a device to send electrical signals through the skin in painful areas. Studies indicate TENS can alleviate pain symptoms. For chronic back or joint pain, nerve block or epidural steroid injections may provide relief by reducing inflammation around the affected areas.
Physical and occupational therapies can also be helpful, especially when combined with other treatments. A physical therapist can guide you in exercises to enhance strength, mobility, and flexibility, while an occupational therapist can teach strategies to make daily tasks easier. Both can recommend assistive devices to help manage pain better.
If your chronic pain has a psychological basis, talking with a psychiatrist or psychologist might relieve both physical and emotional symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you change how you perceive pain and lessen its emotional toll.
Alternative treatments might also offer benefits, but always consult your healthcare provider before trying these options to ensure they’re safe for you. Some strategies to prevent chronic pain involve efforts to reduce risks associated with health conditions and keep pain from worsening.
Chronic pain isn’t something that can always be stopped from occurring—especially when related to autoimmune disorders or accidents. Without treatment, it can lead to other related issues, reducing quality of life and functional ability. It’s important to find ways to cope, being proactive in managing your health, and recognizing that current treatments might only reduce pain by around 30%.
Take care by focusing on activities and habits that support your overall well-being and quality of life.
