What is chronic pain?

We all have gone through pain in our lives from time to time. Like when you cut your finger or pull a muscle. Pain is a way that signals that your body is going through something wrong.

Chronic pain is different and it lasts for over three months. The pain can be persistent in your body anywhere all the time, or it may come and go. It can develop in different ways, including from any illness or injury.

It can interfere with your daily activities, such as working, having a social life, and taking care of yourself and others. Further, if it is not treated on time it can lead to anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping, making your pain worse.

What causes chronic pain?

Sometimes chronic pain happens without any obvious cause. But in many cases, it starts after an injury or illness. Some of the major causes include:

• Back problems
• Migraines and other headaches
• Arthritis
• Nerve damage
• Past injuries or surgeries
• Infections
• Fibromyalgia: a condition in which people feel muscle pain in the complete body

Some people also have chronic pain that is not because of any injury or illness. Healthcare experts call this response psychogenic pain. It is caused by physical factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Many health experts believe that this connection comes from the low level of endorphins in your body that trigger positive feelings.

What does chronic pain feel like?

Chronic pain ranges from mild to severe. It can continue to grow with every passing day or also come and go. People with chronic pain describe their pain in different ways, such as:

• Aching
• Burning
• Shooting
• Squeezing
• Stiffness
• Stinging
• Throbbing

How is chronic pain treated?

To relieve chronic pain, your health expert first tries to recognize the root cause and treat that. But sometimes they can’t find the source. If so, they turn to treating or managing the pain.

Healthcare providers can treat chronic pain using different methods. The approach depends on different factors, including:

• The cause of pain
• The severity of the pain
• Your age and overall health

If your chronic pain is because of depression or anxiety, you need to seek therapy and treatment for your mental health conditions.

What medications can treat chronic pain?

When you visit your healthcare practitioner, he prescribes certain medications depending on the severity of the pain. Some of the main painkillers include:

• Anticonvulsants for nerve pain.
• Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants.
• Opioids
• Topical products that contain pain relievers or components that create soothing heat or cold.
• Muscle relaxers.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen.
• Sedatives to relieve anxiety or insomnia.
• Medical marijuana.

How to manage my chronic pain?

Exercising and continuing to work if you can are key to managing persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, to help lead a fuller life.

Lying in bed for a long time can make back pain last longer. Lack of activity can cause:

• You stiffen up
• Make your bones and muscles weaker
• Problem in sleeping
• Having depressed and lonely feelings

If you are looking at how to manage my chronic pain, the better approach is a combination of painkillers, exercise, staying at work, and physical therapy.