Chronic Pain: How Medicines Can Help you Manage it- Click below:

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Living With Chronic Pain - Click below:

Pain is your body's way of warning you that something may be wrong. Pain can affect your emotions as well as your body. When pain lasts longer than 3 months, it is called chronic pain.

Chronic pain can occur anywhere in your body. It can range from being mild and annoying to being so bad that it gets in the way of your daily activities.

Anyone can get chronic pain. It's more common in older adults, but it's not a normal part of aging. Older adults are more likely to have long-term medical problems, such as diabetes or arthritis, which can lead to ongoing pain.

Chronic pain can lead to other problems. You may feel depressed or feel anxious and stressed. You may stop doing activities such as going to work or school. You may not be able to sleep, and you may feel very tired.

Chronic pain can develop after a major injury or illness. It may also occur because certain brain chemicals aren't working correctly. Sometimes damaged nerves can cause the pain. Or the brain may become more sensitive to the feeling of pain or touch. Sometimes the cause of chronic pain isn't known.

Your doctor can find out if you have chronic pain by asking about your past illnesses and your overall health. Your doctor will also do a physical exam and look for areas that are tender, weak, or numb.

Your doctor may ask you about your pain including:

• When did your pain start?
• How long does your pain last?
• What makes your pain better or worse?

Your doctor may also want to know if your pain disrupts your daily activities, sleep, or mood.

You also may be asked to keep a pain diary.

You may have tests to find out if a health problem is causing the pain. Your doctor may check for problems with your nervous system and may order imaging tests.

It's important to make a treatment plan with your doctor. It may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief.

There are many treatments you can try to manage your pain. Often people think of taking medicine to treat pain. But there are many non-medicine treatments that may be just as helpful.

Treatment options may include:

• Physical treatments. These can be things like physical therapy or massage.
• Behavioral health treatments. These are things like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Over-the-counter pain medicines. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
• Other medicines. These are medicines like anticonvulsants or certain antidepressants that can help with chronic pain. Sometimes medicines you put on your skin may be used.
• Injections. Shots like a nerve block may be tried.
• Surgery. For example, spinal cord stimulation may be helpful.
• Going to a pain management clinic.

Source: Healthwise

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