Understanding Chronic Pain Syndrome

Once I started treatment with Dr. Jimenez, I started noticing I was able to go back to the gym, I was able to sit longer periods of time, and ever since I’ve been a lot better. – Denise A.

Pain is a fundamental response of the nervous system which functions to help keep the body aware to possible injury. When an injury occurs, pain signals are transmitted from the injured site up through the spinal cord ant into the brain, where the messages are processed accordingly.

As the injury heals, however, the pain will typically become less severe. While it’s normal for everyone to experience occasional aches and pains, chronic pain can become a real health issue which can severely restrict an individual from completing their daily tasks, ultimately affecting their quality of life. Below, we will describe chronic pain and discuss treatment options to help manage chronic pain symptoms.

What is Chronic Pain Syndrome?

Chronic pain is quite different when compared to general types of pain. With chronic pain syndrome, the body will continue to send pain signals to the brain, where symptoms can last for several weeks, months, even years after the initial injury has healed.

Chronic pain is defined as pain which lasts 12 weeks or more. The type of pain is often felt as sharp or dull, causing an aching or burning sensation around the affected regions and it may be steady or intermittent. Chronic pain can develop in almost any section of the human body. Because chronic pain can tremendously restrict an individual’s strength, mobility, flexibility and endurance, these symptoms can make it challenging for anyone to get through their regular tasks and physical activities.

Chronic pain syndrome is usually caused by an initial injury but it’s also believed that symptoms can manifest after nerve damage has occurred. There are several different types of chronic pain. Also, chronic pain might have a mental and emotional toll in some people in addition to draining your energy and motivation. It’s important to address your chronic pain with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Types of Chronic Pain

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 1.5 billion people around the world have some type of chronic pain. As a matter of fact, chronic pain syndrome is the most prevalent cause of long-term disability in the United States, affecting approximately 100 million Americans. Chronic pain is generally caused by an initial injury, such as a back sprain or pulled muscle. Sometimes, it can be caused by automobile accident injuries or a different sort of injury. Other times, chronic pain can be caused by previous underlying health issues like medical conditions or even a disease. Chronic pain is usually divided into these categories.

• Nociceptive Pain: Nociceptive pain is a medical term used to describe when the pain is located in the muscles and soft tissues. This is also sometimes referred to as somatic pain. Back pain, hip pain, knee pain arthritis, and headaches, can all be considered to be nociceptive pain. Chiropractic care and physical therapeutics can help reduce and eliminate pain and discomfort associated with these health issues.
• Neuropathic Pain: This type of pain is associated with actual nerve damage and it is often more intense and may be described as a sharp or stabbing sensation. Phantom limb pain, pain associated with post mastectomy, and diabetic neuropathy, are examples of neuropathic pain. A combination of chiropractic care, physical therapeutics and electrotherapy, is occasionally used in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Chronic Pain Treatment Options

While pain drugs and/or medications can help ease symptoms associated with chronic pain syndrome, the effects are often only temporary. Fortunately, you can find better treatment options for your chronic pain. Chiropractic care and physical therapy utilize several treatment approaches and techniques to provide pain relief. The objective of these is to increase strength, mobility flexibility and endurance, while reducing overall pain. Several treatment alternatives which may also be used include:

• Deep Tissue Massage: A healthcare professional can alleviate tension from the muscles, ligaments, and tendons by applying direct pressure to the affected sites.
• Hot and Cold Treatments: Hot therapies can bring more oxygen and blood to the affected areas whereas cold therapies can decrease muscle spasms and inflammation.
• Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS raises the release of natural endorphins to reduce pain throughout the entire body. This therapy may be used to decrease pain associated to several health issues.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound increases blood flow and provides heat deep in joints and muscles. This can facilitate muscle stretching while reducing chronic pain.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight

Pain is the body’s natural reaction to a possible injury or condition, a warning that something is wrong. Once your body heals, the pain will stop and all bodily functions return to normal, at least, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. For many people, pain can continue long after its cause is gone. Pain that lasts for 3 months or more is medically referred to as chronic pain. Approximately 25 percent of people with chronic pain will develop a condition known as chronic pain syndrome, or CPS. When pain is present day after day, it can take a toll on your physical as well as on your mental and emotional health, where people with CPS will often develop symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can also interfere with their daily lives.

Chiropractic Care and Chronic Pain

Chiropractic care can play an essential role in alleviating and eliminating different kinds of chronic pain symptoms. Among the most fundamental aspects of providing a successful treatment plan for chronic pain is for the chiropractor to develop a specialized treatment plan for each patient. A chiropractor will perform a comprehensive exam to assess the principal cause of the patient’s chronic pain. Using that information, the chiropractor will then customize an individualized treatment plan.

Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including chronic pain. A chiropractor will commonly utilize spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, along the length of the spine. By realigning the spine, a chiropractor can restore essential connections between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body, which may be responsible for chronic pain symptoms.

Furthermore, a chiropractor can recommend a series of exercises and physical activities, as well as offer nutritional advice, to help promote a speedy recovery. A chiropractor can also teach the patient how they can incorporate ergonomic principles into their everyday life. The healthcare professional will likely assemble a personalized home exercise plan that’ll be a part of the patient’s whole pain management program.

A chiropractor may work closely together with you to establish goals and manage your own personal treatment program. Your chiropractor may also let you work through any challenges you may be experiencing and adapt your treatment as needed. The journey to overcome chronic pain in order to recover maximum freedom. A qualified and experienced chiropractor can allow you to address problems and supply support while providing the best treatment available. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.

EXTRA IMPORTANT TOPIC: Lower Back Pain Management