What is chronic pain?
Pain serves an important role in human life, alerting you to situations or conditions that threaten your health and wellness. Chronic pain, however, is a different matter. Chronic pain is characterized by pain signals that persist long after the triggering event has passed, or when there is no clear trigger. Most experts define chronic pain as lasting 3-6 months or longer.
What causes chronic pain?
Your nervous system works to deliver sensory data from your body to your brain, which processes that data. Whether it’s touching a soft sweater or a hot pan handle, the signaling process works the same.
People with chronic pain have a disruption in the normal transmission of sensory data. The pain signaling doesn’t end when the cause is eliminated. Your nervous system continues to communicate pain signals, even when there is no clear cause.
Researchers have identified multiple conditions that can cause chronic pain, including:
- Previous surgery or injury
- Arthritis
- Infections
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches or migraines
- Back issues
- Nerve damage
In some cases, it’s not possible to determine the source of chronic pain, although management is still possible.
Can chronic pain be treated?
Treating chronic pain begins with a thorough diagnostic exam. If Dr. Manocha can determine the source of your pain, he may be able to devise a treatment path that brings lasting relief.
More often, however, treating chronic pain is a long-term management process, with a focus on controlling pain and making lifestyle modifications to enhance overall health and wellness.
For some, a pain pump implant is a strong treatment option. The process involves placing a catheter in your spine that extends to an external pump. The apparatus delivers carefully controlled doses of medication to ease pain. A trial period allows both you and Dr. Manocha to evaluate how effective the treatment is before the device is permanently implanted.
To learn more about these and other chronic pain treatment options, book an appointment at Interventional Pain Center online or by phone today.
