What is chronic pain?
Pain is a critical part of human survival. Your nervous system transmits pain signals to let your brain know something is amiss. However, some people develop a condition known as chronic pain, which is a serious medical problem that can cause a cascade of negative effects.
The medical criteria for a diagnosis of chronic pain is pain that persists longer than three to six months. Everyone has a unique experience of pain, so the symptoms are not universal. Some of the symptoms of chronic pain include sensations like:
- Stinging
- Soreness
- Burning
- Stiffness
- Throbbing
- Shooting
- Dull aching
You might also experience mood changes, fatigue, sleep disruptions, or a sensation of weakness. Chronic pain takes a toll on your overall health and can lead to a variety of symptoms that may not seem directly connected to your pain.
What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain usually begins with a clear cause, like an injury or illness. Whether it is back pain, arthritis, infection, or even a previous surgery, there is often a clear initiating factor that begins the pain cycle. Neck, back, and pelvic pain are some of the most common types of chronic pain.
Researchers believe that chronic pain happens as a result of nerve damage. Your nerves work to communicate sensory data from your body to your brain. When those nerve fibers sustain damage, they can struggle to “turn off” the pain signals, which results in ongoing pain.
In some cases there is no clear initiating injury or illness preceding chronic pain. That can be frustrating for both you and your medical team.
What are some options for treating chronic pain?
The best way to treat chronic pain is with customized care. Just as no two people share the exact same experience of chronic pain, individuals also need unique treatment plans.
Dr. Piska begins by completing a thorough diagnostic work-up to look for the source of your pain. This might include a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, blood work, and imaging.
Medications might play a role in treating chronic pain. While drug therapy can be very effective, there is also a risk of side effects and addiction. Every effort is made to find a treatment that does not rely solely on pharmaceutical intervention.
Lifestyle modifications can go a long way toward reducing chronic pain symptoms. Dr. Piska works with you to identify areas where you can make meaningful improvements.
Additional treatment options include:
- CooliefⓇ cooled radiofrequency treatment
- Balloon kyphoplasty
- BotoxⓇ injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Freedom Stimulator™
- Nerve blocks
- PRP injections
Each of these options delivers results for a certain group of conditions. Dr. Piska will explain which options are best suited for your specific needs and will ensure you have all the details needed to make an informed decision about your care. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone today to get started.
