Diagnosing Different Types of Chronic Pain and Their Treatment

Chronic pain can occur in any area of the body, and those that have it just want it to go away. Thankfully, in recent decades the practice of pain management has evolved so that patients can go see a physician specifically trained in treating people’s chronic pain. This type of pain is that which has no biological function – as in to protect a person when they step on a piece of glass or burn their hand. When the foot or the hand keeps hurting weeks and months after the initial injury, this is the pain. Whether it is six weeks or six months, it will most likely not go away without some form of treatment. rnTypes of Chronic PainrnThis pain can take the form of headache, backache and referred pain to the arms and legs. Often, when a disc, padding between the vertebrae of the spine, has slipped or ruptured, it will put pressure on the nerve that comes from the spinal cord. This nerve pressure, depending on where it is in the back, can cause pain in the arms or legs and this is called referred pain. Headache is pain that can occur as a result of neck vertebrae damage, cancer or other sources of unknown origin. Arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, cancer and cancer treatments are other sources of pain.rnDiagnosing Chronic PainrnIf an individual has been suffering for more than three months, it can be classified as chronic pain and the best idea is to seek treatment from a pain management physician. The nervous system can become compromised if the pain is not treated early enough and then it becomes more difficult to treat. Proper diagnosis of the condition is paramount for getting solutions. Diagnostic Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), discography, Current Perception test and Muscular Ultrasound are some of the specialized options a pain management physician can use for diagnosingthe pain. rnVarious Treatments for Chronic PainrnOnce the source of the chronic pain has been determined, a physician can then prescribe treatment. First round of treatment will probably include massage, physical therapy, hot and cold packs and back supports where required. Some other treatments may include bed rest and medication. Electrical nerve stimulation, radiofrequency, spinal cord stimulation, dekompressor discography, blocks and epidurals are office procedures, and minimally invasive surgery may also be considered. With all of the technology at the hands of the physician, some form of treatment can address the pain. rnMedications for Chronic PainrnSpecialized medications for chronic pain have been developed and are being researched and introduced on an ongoing basis. As with any prescription or even over the counter (OTC) drug, each individual taking them will react differently and side effects can make a difference in their success. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin and Aleve) are the most common OTC drugs taken for pain and an individual will most likely have already taken them to address their pain before seeing a doctor. The difference is that the Acetaminophen is not effective in reducing pain where there is inflammation involved. That’s why it’s best to be properly diagnosed for pain before taking too many of these pain-reducers. Prescription medications include those with steroids, narcotics and anti-convulsant properties and must be taken only under a doctor’s supervision. rnA physician will work with the source of a patient’s pain to attain relief. He will start with the least complicated and least invasive procedures or medications until the patient finds respite from his or her chronic pain.