Chronic pain is a common ailment that millions of people suffer from every day. Chronic pain refers to pain symptoms that last longer than a few weeks or pain that comes and goes repeatedly.
There are many causes of chronic, including a variety of health conditions, diseases, and injuries that leave permanent damage to the body. Before you get the right treatment, it’s important to determine the type or root cause of your chronic pain.
The most common types chronic pain are:
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain linked to the musculoskeletal system. The chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia is caused by repeated nerve stimulation to the brain, which increase specific chemicals that signal pain. These neurotransmitters cause the brain’s receptors to build a type of pain-sensitivity that creates a memory of the pain to which the brain overresponds.
In addition to diffused pain, people affected by the condition may experience mood swings and fatigue that is exacerbated by difficulty with sleep. Memory may also be affected as cognitive issues can cloud thinking and the ability to focus.
Women develop fibromyalgia more often than men. There is no cure for the condition, and it can often cause tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and problems with the temporomandibular joint. Since fibromyalgia has no cure, family medicine providers aim to help patients manage the condition’s symptoms, so there is minimal effect on quality of life.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is another common cause of chronic pain, and peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common types. A network of nerves connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When peripheral nerves are affected by injury or disease, peripheral neuropathy can develop. The condition impairs muscle movement and causes pain and numbness in the limbs. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
Endometriosis
A common cause of chronic pain in the abdomen is endometriosis, a painful condition that causes excessive bleeding and cramps during a woman’s menstrual period. Endometriosis can also cause discomfort with urination and bowel movements. It is often managed with medications to control symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that refers to joint cartilage that has been deteriorated, damaged, or torn beyond repair. The cartilage can degenerate due to wear and tear, overuse, or an injury. Stiffness and chronic pain are common symptoms of this condition. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, which means symptoms tend to get worse with time. Osteoarthritis is often managed with pain medication, physical therapy, regenerative medicine techniques, and more. If these techniques do not help with pain symptoms, you may need joint surgery for long-term relief.
Back Pain
Back pain stemming from spinal stenosis, bulging discs, fractures, or compression of nerves in the spine can all be chronic in nature. Other conditions that are considered structural deformities, such as scoliosis, may also cause chronic pain. Back pain is often treated with physical therapy, medications to control symptoms, and in some cases, surgery.
Chronic Pain Treatment in Florida
If you are experiencing chronic pain, you don’t have to cope with it alone. Contact the experts at Advanced Medical Clinic today to get a diagnosis and treatment plan in place. To make an appointment, call (561) 434-1935. You can also request an appointment online.
