Living With Chronic Pain

If you live with pain on a daily basis, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 11-40% of Americans suffer from chronic pain.

Unfortunately, chronic pain is a complicated affliction. There isn’t even a consensus as to when pain is deemed to be chronic. Depending on whom you ask, your pain can be described as chronic pain if it persists for longer than:

• 30 days
• Three months
• Six months
• One year

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait a year before you get treated for chronic pain. The friendly doctors at Orthocenter can examine you and develop a custom treatment plan to help relieve your pain.

Causes of chronic pain

While some pain can manifest for unknown reasons, most pain is due to an injury or illness. Some injuries or illnesses that can spark chronic pain include:

• Sprained neck or back
• Serious infections
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Ear infections
• Damage to the central nervous system or its peripheral nerves
• Degenerative diseases
• Fibromyalgia
• Structural problems
• Old injuries

Treatments for chronic pain

Deciding which treatment is right for you is largely determined by the source of your pain. There are a variety of methods that can help relieve your pain, including:

• Relaxation therapy
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Lifestyle changes

If your pain persists, your doctor may suggest:

Epidural injection

Damaged nerves are often the culprit behind chronic pain. An epidural injection is a common treatment, and it works by delivering a local anesthetic or steroid to block the pain receptors of the nerves of your spine.

Radiofrequency ablation

This procedure uses a small electric current to disrupt the nerves’ ability to receive pain signals.

While these procedures aren’t cures, they are highly effective and can provide immediate pain relief and can last 6-12 months.

When to seek help for chronic pain

Because of its huge impact on daily life, it’s highly recommended for people experiencing chronic pain to seek a medical consultation with board-certified doctors.

Pain management isn’t about taking medication. It’s about developing and following a customized plan that can empower you to return to your original lifestyle. Speaking with a doctor is the best way to create that plan.

If you have chronic pain, there’s help. The friendly doctors at Orthocenter can examine you and develop a treatment plan to help relieve your chronic pain. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Orthocenter today.