Chronic pain can reduce the quality of your life by limiting your mobility and preventing you from enjoying your favorite physical activities. Additionally, if chronic pain is left untreated, it can trigger other physical dysfunctions and mental diseases. If chronic pain makes your life dull, visit Pain & Anesthetic Care for a comprehensive medical exam and treatment.
What is chronic pain?
Experiencing pains and aches once in a while is a common occurrence, and these pains may be due to underlying health conditions, sports injuries, or wear and tear. Such discomforts are acute and usually improve as your body gradually heals. On the other hand, chronic pain refers to the stabbing or burning sensation that persists long after your injury heals. If it persists for over three months or more, your pain is considered chronic and does not respond to conventional medications. Chronic pain may occur intermittently or daily, depending on its underlying cause. If you suspect that your pain is chronic, inform your doctor for professional care.
What are the different causes of chronic pain?
Chronic pain usually develops after an injury like a pulled muscle or an ankle sprain. Medical experts are certain that chronic pain results from nerve damage, making it difficult to alleviate it with conventional medications. In some cases, chronic pain may not result from an injury but an underlying medical condition. Some of the factors that may trigger chronic pain include:
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Surgery
- Arthritis
- Endometriosis
- Cancer
- Migraine headaches
- Traumatic injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Lyme disease
Garen Gajian, MD, is a professional pain management physician who offers practical techniques for neurogenic pain resulting from nerve damage.
What are the common risk factors of chronic pain?
Several factors may increase your chances of developing chronic pain. These factors include:
- Being obese
- Genetics
- Older age
- Previous traumatic injury
- Engaging in physically strenuous activities
- Frequent stress
Making some minor lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise to attain a healthy weight can help alleviate your pain.
What happens during chronic pain diagnosis?
During your appointment, your physician conducts an extensive physical and neurological exam. He may also go through your medical history and discuss your symptoms to determine the underlying cause of your pain. During your medical exam, Dr. Gajian examines the area for any swelling, warmth, or redness. He may also test your flexibility and range of motion. He may also order X-rays or MRIs to obtain a more accurate diagnosis if necessary.
What are the available treatment options for chronic pain?
Your treatment plan usually depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your pain. Dr. Gajin recommends minimally invasive and integrative approaches whenever possible. He may recommend:
- Facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency procedures
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Sympathetic nerve blocks
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Major joint injections
- Peripheral joint blocks
- Epidural injections
Your treatment may include one of these treatments to ensure long-lasting relief from chronic pain.
If chronic pain prevents you from carrying out your daily tasks, call Dr. Gajin or schedule an online appointment for treatment.
