How Long Does Chronic Pain Last?

The pain response evolved in all animals to warn us of an “actual or perceived injury to body tissues.” You feel pain when something is wrong. The “something” can be physical or psychological. Either way, when the injury heals, the hurting stops.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts three to 6 months or more. It can affect your physical, mental, and emotional life. With the help of your doctor, you can find relief.

CRPM is the premier pain clinic in Orange County. Contact us today to begin your healing journey.

[source: https://www.medicinenet.com/pain_acute_and_chronic/views.htm]

Causes of Chronic Pain

When you injure yourself, it turns on pain sensors in that area of the body. The pain sensors send signals through the nervous system that you are injured. When the signals reach the brain, it sends you the message that you are hurt; consequently, you feel pain.

The signals– and the pain– should stop once you heal. But if you have chronic pain, “the nerve signals keep firing even after you have healed.”

Chronic pain usually starts with an injury or other health condition. The type of injury or disease can vary:

Past injuries or surgeries
Back problems
Migraines and other headaches
Arthritis
Nerve damage
Infections
Fibromyalgia, a condition in which people feel muscle pain throughout their bodies

Symptoms of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can occur daily or come and go. It can show up as in many ways. People with chronic pain can experience anything from a dull hurt to throbbing ache. They may sense burning, shooting, squeezing, or stinging. Or, chronic pain can be a form of soreness or stiffness.

Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care.

It is linked to activity limitations, dependence on opioids, anxiety, and depression, and reduced quality of life.

Chronic pain takes a toll on your mental and emotional life. You may feel embarrassed to talk about it and hold it all in. Or, you may worry your friends and family are sick of hearing you talk about it. Not being able to do the things you used to can change your self-image. They become isolated and depressed. They may even feel their life is without meaning.

Michael Clark is a psychiatrist and director of the pain treatment program at Johns Hopkins Hospital. According to Clark,” Approximately one-third to three-quarters of people with chronic pain experience moderate to severe depression.” Symptoms of depression “include fatigue, anxiety, and changes in mood, appetite, and sleep.

A Remedy for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a complex problem which requires multidisciplinary solutions. Many doctors recommend a holistic approach. A holistic approach is one that addresses the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

Antidepressant medication can provide significant relief for many people. Medical doctors, counselors, and physical therapists all contribute valuable perspectives. The most valuable person you can have by your side is an experienced chronic pain doctor.

The qualified pain specialists and physician assistants at CRPM are here to help. Contact us today at 714-909-0136.

The National Institutes of Health has found individuals who take proactive steps toward managing their pain often find relief, regardless of the underlying cause.

Help for Chronic Pain from CRPM

The Centers for Rehabilitation and Pain Management is a unique pain clinic in Orange County. Their pain specialists draw from a broad array of pain management treatment plans and medical therapies to help you live life to the fullest again. If you have chronic pain, they can help.

Contact CRPM today at 714-909-0136!