Naturally, this pain disappears as the injury heals or as the body returns to health. However, in some cases, pain could span for months and sometimes years. This situation is often referred to as chronic pain syndrome. 

What is Chronic Pain Syndrome?

Pain that lasts for three to six months is considered chronic. It is an intense pain that frequently occurs after an injury, such as a severe bone fracture or a cut on the skin. In the case of chronic pain syndrome, the pain persists long after the body has recovered from the injury.

This is a common condition amongst Americans, with about 25% of adults experiencing chronic pain. In some cases, the cause of the pain could be identified, and in others, this might not be possible. One thing is for sure: continuous pain can affect a person emotionally and impair daily life.

Causes of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Sometimes, the cause of chronic pain syndrome is not known. These cases cannot be tied to an illness or physical injury. Healthcare providers speculate this might be linked to events such as stress or conditions that affect the endorphin level in the body.

In many cases, it could be pointed to an injury or a previous painful condition such as:

• Migraine and headaches
• Stroke
• Accidents
• Lower back pain
• Sickle cell anemia
• Arthritis, osteoarthritis and joint problems
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Cancer
• Nerve damage
• Bone fractures
• Endometriosis: a case when tissues that ought to grow within the uterus grows outside of it.
• Fibromyalgia: when there is a pain in the muscles throughout the body
• Pelvic pain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Radiculopathy
• Surgical trauma
• Acid reflux or ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: a condition where there is inflammation of the digestive tract causing cramping and intestinal pain
• Repetitive stress injuries: when a particular body part is placed under the same strain or movement repetitively

People who have suffered long-term illnesses such as these can have chronic pain for a long while. Similarly, accidents and injuries can affect the body in different ways, such as lasting pains even after the injuries or diseases have been healed. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic pain syndrome can be seen across different aspects of life such as physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Muscle pains
• Fatigue
• Insomnia and sleep difficulty
• Mood swings
• Drug abuse
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Suicidal thoughts

Risk factors of chronic pain syndrome

Certain risk factors make people more prone to chronic pain. These conditions include: 

Depression

Depression can trigger pain. Depression changes the way messages are sent to the brain and how they are interpreted. This response is sent to the nervous system, which then interprets it as pain. Health experts identify it as a psychogenic or psychosomatic pain. These conditions are caused by psychological factors.

Smoking

Smoking increases a person’s risk of developing a number of illnesses, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic pain diseases. 

Obesity

While there is still research on this, obesity predisposes people to several health conditions and can affect the rate of recovery. It is not uncommon that many people who complain about chronic pain have obesity issues.

Age

With an increase in age, there is a higher tendency to be prone to health conditions. Thus many people who complain about chronic pain are usually above the age of 65.

Conclusion

Pain that lasts a long time, typically longer than three months, is referred to as chronic pain syndrome. Whenever you are ill, suffer an accident, or have chronic discomfort, know that treatment is possible. We can help you find relief. Contact us today to get started!

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post What is Chronic Pain Syndrome? appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks or pain that continues long after the injury or illness causing it to have healed. It can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the cause. 

Without proper care, this type of pain can become debilitating and interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, and enjoy life. Statistics show that chronic pain is a widespread problem and one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the United States. The Journal of the International Association for Pain suggests that more than 1 in 5 American adults experience chronic pain at any given time.

Causes of Chronic Pain

There are many possible causes of chronic pain. It can result from an injury, illness, or nerve damage. It can also be caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, chronic pain can also develop without any apparent injury or illness.

It is also worth noting that chronic pain can develop years after the initial injury has healed. This is because the nervous system is already “sensitized” to pain from previous trauma.

Types of Chronic Pain

Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which develops when the cartilage that protects the joints breaks down. This can lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Arthritis can also lead to chronic pain in other body parts, including the back and neck.

Back Pain

Chronic back pain is one of the most prevalent forms of pain. It can be caused by things like muscle strain, herniated discs, years of bad posture, and degenerative disc disease, among other things. Back pain mainly affects the lower back, but it can also occur in the upper back, neck, and shoulders.

Neuropathic Pain

As the name suggests, neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nervous system. This can result from an injury, surgery, infection, or other conditions. Neuropathic pain is often manifested through a burning sensation, shooting pain, and tingling in the affected area.

Post-Trauma Pain

Post-trauma pain is pain that occurs after an injury or surgery. It may result from a fracture, sprains, or damage to the nerves, muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Cancer Pain

Chronic cancer pain occurs when cancerous cells or tumors press on nerves or invade nearby bones or organs. Some cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can also lead to chronic pain.

Psychogenic Pain

Psychogenic pain is pain caused by psychological factors such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression. This type of pain is often hard to diagnose as there is no physical cause. These psychological factors have also been known to aggravate various forms of pain.

Risk Factors for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can affect anyone. However, several factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing chronic pain. They include:

Age: Older adults are more likely to experience chronic pain than younger adults. This is because the body weakens and becomes more susceptible to illness with age.

Obesity: People who are obese also have a higher likelihood of developing chronic pain than people who are not obese. This may be due to the added strain on the joints and muscles. Being obese also increases the risk of developing arthritis, another leading cause of chronic pain.

Gender: Women are more likely to experience chronic pain than men. This can be tied to hormonal changes, low stress tolerance, and high pain sensitivity, which are more common in women.

Smoking: Smoking can damage the nerves and reduce blood flow to the tissues, which may exacerbate chronic pain and lead to inflammation.

Previous Injuries: People who have had previous injuries are more likely to experience chronic pain because their bodies are already sensitized to pain.

Genetics Make-Up: Although the connection between genetics and chronic pain is not fully understood, there is some evidence to suggest that certain genes or gene variations can increase one’s risk of developing chronic pain or conditions that lead to chronic pain.

Mental Illness: Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can affect how the brain processes information, including pain signals. When this happens, the brain may interpret non-painful stimuli as painful or amplify pain signals.

The Bottom Line

Chronic pain is a serious condition that can have life-changing consequences. It can make it difficult to perform everyday activities or lead a normal life. If you are struggling with chronic pain, it is essential to talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post What Causes Chronic Pain? appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.

What is Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is discomfort that lingers for more than three months. It can be pervasive, or it may start and stop. Chronic pain can occur anywhere on your person.

“Chronic pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as working, having a social life, and taking care of yourself or others. It can lead to depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping, which can make your pain worse. This response creates a cycle that’s difficult to break.”

Types of Chronic Pain

If you suffer from symptoms of chronic pain, some of them can be managed with ketamine. They include headaches, postsurgical pain, pain after trauma, low back pain, pain from cancer, arthritis pain, pain resulting from nerve damage, and pain not derived from disease, injury, or nerve impairment.

According to some estimates, more than 1.5 billion people globally experience chronic pain. It’s the most widespread reason for long-term disability in America, harming about 100 million citizens.

How Do You Manage Chronic Pain?

Some people manage chronic pain in a variety of ways, some recognized by science, some not at all. But before you attempt to manage chronic pain, you need to know the symptoms. Common symptoms of chronic pain may include moderate to very severe pain which doesn’t go away as you’d expect following an illness or injury. Everyone has a different experience with pain, and different thresholds, but chronic pain is often described as:

• a dull ache
• soreness
• rigidity
• stinging
• squeezing
• pulsing
• burning
• shooting

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain may be caused by injury, illness, psychological trauma, or something else not easily identified. There also could be an underlying health issue, such as:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome, where you experience oftentimes intense, protracted tiredness that’s often escorted by pain
• Endometriosis, which is an excruciating condition that happens if the uterine lining develops outside the uterus
• Fibromyalgia, which is pervasive discomfort within your bones and muscles
• Inflammatory bowel disease, a set of conditions that results in painful, chronic swelling in a person’s digestive tract
• A chronic disorder (interstitial cystitis) characterized by bladder pressure and discomfort
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, where a person suffers from uncomfortable clicking, popping, or jaw locking 
• Chronic vulva pain which happens but as no precise cause

Are There Pain Management Techniques?

Yes, some of which people have used successfully for years to control their chronic pain symptoms. Here are some things to try as needed.

• Try whole-body stretches, soothing yoga, or tai chi in 10 to 15 minute stretches each day.
• Follow an activity plan recommended by your healthcare provider to strengthen muscles, better your mood, and take your mind off the pain. 
• Try passive or progressive muscle relaxation, relaxed breathing, or mindfulness. 
• Engage in regular planning by balancing daily tasks, leisure, and other duties to foster structure and routine. Be sure to take regular breaks. 
• Find out what else may worsen the pain. It may be beneficial to treat anxiety and depression to minimize pain and boost your quality of life. Talk with a doctor or therapist if you notice signs of anxiety or depression. 
• Stay positive and do the things you enjoy, which may take some effort. Finding enjoyable activities has been known to reduce the impacts of pain indicators in the body.
• Spending time with loved ones and friends in person or remotely can lessen your focus on pain. 
• Try and get a good night’s sleep.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To effectively manage chronic pain, a key step is diagnosis. During your doctor’s appointment, you’ll discuss your pain experience, including frequency, intensity, and any known triggers. Diagnostic tests like blood tests, bone tests, and x-rays may be recommended. Depending on the results, a psychiatric evaluation might be suggested. At Resilience Integrative Wellness in the Bay Area, we offer personalized treatment for chronic pain, drawing from the latest research, including ketamine studies.

Upon diagnosis, your healthcare provider could recommend ketamine, but most likely store-bought pain relievers, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.

Final Thoughts

Chronic pain can be confusing and, sometimes, even depressing. By its very nature, it’s mysterious and lingering, but it also can result in other physical and psychological issues that may need treatment. If you suffer from chronic pain symptoms, talk to a doctor for helpful advice or look online.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Herman

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed medical provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. Off-label treatments like IV ketamine for mental health conditions carry risks that should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider before beginning. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post How Do You Manage Chronic Pain? appeared first on Soft Reboot Wellness.