Chronic Pain Resource Center

Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts beyond the expected healing time, often several months or longer. Symptoms might be continuous or occur as flares, and they can include aching, burning, shooting, stinging, or throbbing pain, which can impact daily life and cause fatigue, anxiety, debility, and depression. Treatment benefits from a whole-person approach to care, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, and it often combines medications, physical therapy, medical procedures, and psychological therapies. Lifestyle measures like getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, getting optimal sleep, and using stress management techniques can support chronic pain management.

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FAQ

What are common causes of chronic pain?

Chronic pain can occur due to issues with the nerves and central nervous system, organs, immune system, or the muscles, joints, and skeleton. Common causes include arthritis, back and neck pain, cancer, fibromyalgia, and headache disorders like migraine.

How is chronic pain treated?

Treatment may include medications, physical and occupational therapy, and psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. Procedures, including Botox injections, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, surgery, and steroid injections, may help. Nonpharmaceutical aids like biofeedback therapy, meditation, avoiding overexertion, ergonomic furniture, and heated pads can support pain relief.

Can lifestyle changes help manage chronic pain?

Exercising, eating a healthy diet that’s rich in anti-inflammatory foods, avoiding smoking, and getting enough sleep can all support chronic pain treatment. Some people find that gentle exercises like tai chi and qigong help relieve chronic pain.

What are the risks of long-term pain medication use?

The risks of using pain relief medications like opioids for a long time include dependency and tolerance, digestive changes, muscle jerks, issues with hormones and the immune system, irregular heartbeat, and side effects like constipation and drowsiness.

How can I find support for chronic pain?

Support groups, online forums, and counseling provide support and connect you to others with similar symptoms and treatment journeys. When symptoms become overwhelming, lean on your support network and speak to a doctor or pain management specialist.

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