Chronic pain is a condition that is characterized by pain that lasts for three months or longer. While it is normal to experience pain if you are ill or injured, pain that persists long after the cause has been treated, is not. Chronic pain can occur in any part of the body and symptoms can range from mild to so severe that they interfere with your daily activities. Anyone can be diagnosed with this condition; however, it is more common in older adults as they are at a higher risk of having long-term medical problems such as arthritis or diabetes, which can lead to chronic pain.
Types of Chronic Pain
Some of the most common types of chronic pain may include:
- Headaches
- Lower back pain
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Nerve damage
- Post-injury pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Psychogenic pain
Causes of Chronic Pain
While chronic pain can occur without an identifiable cause, it is most commonly associated with a person’s recent experience with an illness or injury. Some underlying health conditions can cause chronic pain which may include the following:
- Fibromyalgia – Widespread pain throughout the bones and muscles
- Endometriosis – A painful condition whereby uterine lining grows outside of the uterus
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Painful and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract
- Interstitial Cystitis – Chronic bladder pain and pressure
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Prolonged fatigue that is usually accompanied by pain
Symptoms of Chronic Pain
Some of the most common symptoms for chronic pain may include:
- Mild to severe pain that persists for an extended period
- Aching, burning or shooting pain
- Stiffness, tightness and overall soreness in the body
Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
Fortunately, chronic pain can be managed quite successfully. Here are some common treatment options for chronic pain:
- Establish healthy lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercise
- Over-the-counter medications combined with complimentary therapies such as yoga or massage
- Minimally invasive treatment options such as acupuncture, nerve stimulation or surgery
- Counselling or getting support from family and friends to help you cope
- Physical therapy with a licensed physical therapist who can provide you with significant improvements via comprehensive evaluations and treatment programs
At Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania, we have over two decades of experience treating individuals with chronic pain through professional, patient focused physical therapy care. Together, we can design a customized treatment program to help you significantly reduce the severity of your chronic pain, so you can get back to your normal activities.
For tailor-made physical therapy treatments in and around Philadelphia or the Greater Philadelphia Area, contact us at the location of your choice, or fill out our online form and we will get back to you soon.