Chronic pain is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Living with it can be challenging.
In this blog we are going to explore the different types, causes, symptoms and some management techniques for chronic pain to help you find relief and healing.
What Is Chronic Pain?
It is a type of pain that lasts over a long period of time, often more than 3 to 6 months.
It can be caused by a many factors like, injury, illness, or underlying medical conditions like arthritis and diabetes mellitus
Generally it is a persistent and recurring pain that interferes with your daily life and makes it difficult to go to work, sleep or engage in daily activities. According to the NHS , any pain continuing for more than 3 months, either as part of another health condition or despite treatment is known as chronic pain.
What Are Its Types?
It can be classified into several types, including:
- Nociceptive Pain:
It is the type of pain caused by tissue damage or inflammation. For example: Arthritis, fibromyalgia or chronic back pain.
- Neuropathic Pain:
It is the type of pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. For example: Diabetic neuropathy, shingles and multiple sclerosis.
- Psychogenic:
It is the type of pain caused by psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.
- Mixed:
It is a type of pain caused by a combination of nociceptive, neuropathic and psychogenic pain.
What Are Its Symptoms?
Its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Generally it is a continuous or intermittent pain lasting for months. This pain can be dull, sharp, stabbing, burning or throbbing in nature.
It can be associated with other symptoms and conditions as well, like:
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep Disturbances
- Appetite Changes
What Are The Conditions Associated With It?
It can be associated with other conditions or diseases like:
- Migraine
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathies
- Chronic back pain
What Are Its Causes?
The exact cause of chronic pain is not clear. The underlying causes can be complex and multifaceted. It can be caused by:
Injuries Or Traumas:
Injuries or trauma even after healing can cause this pain due to nerve damage or scar tissue formation.
Medical Conditions:
Sometimes this pain can be caused due to some underlying medical conditions like;
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Neuropathies
- Diabetes
- Shingles
- Sciatica
Surgical Procedures:
If the pain after a surgery does not resolve, it can transform into a long term pain.
Psychosocial Factors:
Stress, anxiety and depression can cause or exacerbate this pain.
Central Sensitization:
If the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive, it amplifies the pain signals, lowers pain threshold and causes abnormalities in normal pain pathways, it causes development of long term pain.
Lifestyle Factors:
Lifestyle factors like obesity, poor posture, lack of exercise, repetitive strain from strenuous physical activity can also cause chronic pain.
How Can You Manage Your Pain?
Here are some chronic pain management techniques and tips for you:
- Do gentle exercise like walking
- Try physical therapies like stretching, heart and cold compressions.
- Practice Mind-Body Techniques like Yoga, Tai Chi, Cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Take adequate sleep
- Learn about your pain
- Share your experience with others
- Seek support from family & friends
- Take Over The Counter Painkillers
- Try therapies to relax yourself like massage & aromatherapy.
- Try Acupuncture
- Try Massage Therapy
- Use herbal remedies like ginger and turmeric
Remember, to consult your healthcare provider if your pain is not getting better. So they can find the cause of your pain and treat it accordingly.
If you are struggling with chronic pain and need some time off work or school to take rest and recover, you might need a sick note to officially communicate your absence. You can get a sick note online within minutes from an EU licensed doctor from the comfort of your home.