Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain
Pain is your body’s nervous system telling you that something is wrong. It’s an unpleasant feeling that can be sharp and severe, or dull and mild. There are two main types of pain. Acute pain and Chronic pain.
Acute pain is something that is temporary such as a headache, pulled muscle, or injury. Chronic pain is long-term and can be difficult to treat.
It can last weeks months or even years in severe cases and can be caused by an injury or infection or an underlying disease such as arthritis or cancer.
Do I have Chronic Pain?
How do you tell if your pain is acute or chronic? Chronic pain is defined as any pain that lasts 3 to 6 months or more. Being in pain for months on end can have severe effects on your day-to-day quality of life and mental health, so it’s important to talk to a chronic pain doctor about your symptoms and treatment options.
Symptoms
People with chronic pain don’t just have pain, they can have other symptoms too such as:
- Feeling Very Tired
- Not Feeling Hungry
- Trouble Sleeping
- Mood Changes
- Weakness
- A Lack of Energy
Treatment Options
Thankfully, there are things you can do to treat chronic pain. Treatments vary and can include:
- Pain medicines
- Surgery
- Physical Therapy
- Electrical Stimulation
- Psychotherapy
- Relaxation and Meditation
While many treatments are available, some have side effects. Certain pain medications can be addictive, such as opioids. These medications should be used in only the most severe cases and closely monitored by your doctor.
If you think that you may be suffering from chronic pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gautam to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
*If you or a loved one is suffering from opioid dependency, get the help you need. Call 1-800-622-HELP or visit samhsa.gov.