Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, And New Solutions

Chronic pain is one of the common reasons people seek medical attention in the United States.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 adults are diagnosed with chronic pain each year globally [1].

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, dealing with the continuous burden of discomfort can feel overwhelming, affecting not only your physical well-being but also taking a toll on your mental health.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the basic information about chronic pain, including a spectrum of approaches, from established methods such as opioid pain medication like Aspadol 100 mg and surgical procedures to modern innovations to help you manage pain effectively.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a type of pain that lasts for over three months. You may always feel the pain and discomfort, or it may come and go. It has various causes and can happen anywhere in your body. It’s the main symptom of many infections, injuries, and diseases [2].

Chronic pain can significantly impair your quality of life, leading to emotional distress, physical limitations, and social isolation.

Types Of Chronic Pain

To understand and treat chronic pain, health professionals typically classify it into two main types based on the location of the damage and how the body processes pain signals. These two types of chronic pain are neuropathic and nociceptive [3].

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, develops when your nervous system (spinal cord, brain, or peripheral nerves) is damaged. This type of pain usually results from changes in sensory information processing, leading to abnormal pain signals sent to the brain. Some common causes of neuropathic pain are diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Neuropathic pain is one of the most intense types of chronic pain. It mainly affects areas like the neck, limbs, and lower back.

Some symptoms of neuropathic pain include stabbing pain, numbness or loss of sensation, shooting discomfort, and burning or stinging sensations.

Nociceptive pain

It is the most common type of chronic pain. Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to body tissues. It is linked to joints, tendons, muscles, bone, or skin injuries. When these tissues are injured, nociceptors (pain receptors) activate and send pain signals to the brain. In cases of nociceptive pain, these signals continue after the injury has healed, causing ongoing pain.

Some common causes of nociceptive pain include ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries, osteoarthritis, and bursitis.

Underlying Causes Of Chronic Pain

There are numerous causes of chronic pain. An injury or an illness may have caused it. Many conditions can lead to chronic pain. Some of the common causes include [4] –

Infection
Diabetes
Nerve damage
Back injury
Arthritis
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
An old injury
Previous surgery

Other Risk Factors For Chronic Pain

Some other risk factors leading to chronic pain include:

Genetics

Some causes of chronic pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis and migraines, run in families.

Aging

As you age, your risk of suffering from chronic pain increases.

Smoking

Smoking can increase pain sensitivity in general. In a study by James S. Khan et al., it was stated that patients with chronic pain who smoke have worse pain, fatigue, and sleep-related and psychological problems compared to non-smokers.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Chronic Pain

Symptoms of chronic pain include:

Pain: It can range from mild to severe and is described as burning, throbbing, shooting, or aching. It may be persistent or intermittent.

Sleep issues: Difficulty staying asleep, falling asleep, or waking up tired.

Mental health problems: Chronic pain can cause feelings of worry, sadness, and hopelessness.

Stiffness and soreness: Due to chronic pain, joints and muscles may feel sore or stiff.

Joint stiffness, swelling, and damage: Chronic pain can lead to joint stiffness, swelling, and damage.

How Is Chronic Pain Diagnosed?

Your medical provider will review your health history, do a physical test, and evaluate your pain. Your medical provider will ask you some basic questions related to your pain, such as [4].

Where is your pain?
Have you had such pain before?
Does your pain limit your daily activities?
How long have you been suffering from it?
Can you do anything to feel better?
What other health conditions do you have or have you recently gotten over?

The answers and results of your physical exam may prompt one or more diagnostic tests to help your doctor diagnose your pain. These tests include:

CT scan: It is a type of diagnostic test that shows soft tissues and internal organs.

X-rays: These tests can show problems related to the bones, such as fractures or arthritis.

Blood tests: These tests can give clues about what is causing the pain. They can show signs of infection, inflammation, or abnormalities in how an organ is working.

Diagnosing chronic pain can be difficult, as it is a highly subjective experience that varies from individual to individual, making it difficult to measure. Occasionally, there is no apparent cause of chronic pain, complicating the diagnosis process further. Chronic pain conditions don’t appear on standard tests, making it challenging for healthcare providers to confirm.

For patients, it’s crucial to remember that diagnosis often involves a thorough evaluation, including physical and mental health assessments. Dealing with chronic pain requires a combination of treatments, including therapy, medications, and even lifestyle changes. These approaches can be the key to finding effective relief.

Available Treatment Options For Chronic Pain

The main goal of chronic pain treatment is to reduce pain and improve mobility. This approach helps patients return to their everyday activities without discomfort.

Medications

Numerous medications are available for chronic pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen), which are the first treatment options many individuals try. They work by blocking the production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation and pain sensation in the body.

Opioids: When other treatments fail to control chronic pain, physicians turn to opioids as an additional medication. These medications affect the brain by altering the body’s ability to perceive pain sensations. Examples of opioid pain medications include tapentadol, available under the popular brand name Aspadol 100 mg, Fentanyl, Morphine, and Tramadol.

Other chronic pain medications that healthcare providers prescribe include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical analgesics.

Surgical Procedures And Devices

Most chronic pain surgeries aim to alleviate inflammation or disrupt the nerve pathways that transmit pain signals to the brain.

Surgical decompression: This is a type of surgery performed to relieve persistent pain associated with back problems such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. It involves removing tissue or bone by pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved these devices for chronic pain relief. They work by sending mild electrical pulses through the skin to block pain signals.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is generally prescribed as a treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapists use techniques such as nerve stimulation, stretching, and strength exercises to help patients improve their range of mobility.

Psychological Interventions To Help Treat Chronic Pain

There are various psychological interventions designed to treat chronic pain, including [5]:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT for chronic pain focuses on helping patients manage their pain by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It teaches coping ways and encourages a more positive and realistic perspective on pain.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are powerful tools for chronic pain management. These techniques train patients to focus on the present moment, alleviating the tension and stress often accompanying constant pain. Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery can calm both the mind and body, reducing the overall pain sensation.

Emerging Innovations For Chronic Pain

People suffering from chronic pain are finding hope in new technological advancements. These innovations can help you manage your pain without medications and surgeries. Some of the latest technologies for chronic pain are [6] –

Digital Health Tools

Digital health tools are transforming chronic pain management, offering innovative and personalized solutions. A growing number of wearable devices are emerging that allow patients to track their pain levels, medicine usage, and triggers, providing essential data for medical providers that can then be used to tailor treatment plans.

Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy

Virtual reality therapy is emerging as a powerful tool for managing pain effectively. By immersing individuals in virtual environments, VR can distract patients from pain and alleviate anxiety, offering a non-pharmacological approach to pain management.

Lifestyle Changes For Managing Chronic Pain

Here, we share some lifestyle modifications that improve persistent pain and overall quality of life [7].

Balanced Diet

Your diet choices may affect your level of pain. Many health conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and sciatica, are inflammatory. Processed food items increase inflammation and may worsen your pain, while vegetables, fruits, and fatty fish contain nutrients that lower inflammation.

Proper Sleep

If you suffer from chronic pain, you may find it challenging to get a restful night’s sleep. Unfortunately, not getting proper sleep triggers the release of stress hormones that further exacerbate the pain. Creating an appropriate sleep routine may help you control your pain.

Avoiding Bad Habits

Alcohol, smoking, and abusing other substances are known to worsen chronic pain and also affect how pain medications and all other treatments work. Avoiding these substances prevents increased pain sensitivity in the long run.

When Should I Seek Medical Help for Chronic Pain?

Seek medical help for chronic pain if:

Pain worsens or returns after treatment.
You feel depressed or anxious.
You suffer from the unpleasant adverse effects of pain management therapies.
You’re having trouble getting proper sleep because of pain.
Pain is hampering your daily life.

Does Chronic Pain Ever Go Away?

Chronic pain doesn’t usually go away, but you can manage it with a combination of various strategies that work for you. Current treatments for chronic pain reduce a patient’s pain score by about 30% [2].

Conclusion

It can be very challenging to live with chronic pain. It can hamper nearly all aspects of your life, from work and socializing to self-care and caring for others.

Finding a pain management plan that works for you may take ample time. Talk to your pain management specialist about appropriate treatment options to help you live life to the fullest.