Usually, pain is something we experience as a result of an injury, surgery, or other health problem. As those problems heal, the pain usually goes away. But what about when the pain doesn’t go away? Or if the pain goes away but then comes back?
For some people, the pain associated with those injuries never goes away. In some other cases, people can start experiencing pain, even if they haven’t experienced an injury or health problem. These are scenarios when you might consider the possibility that your pain is a chronic pain disorder.
A chronic pain disorder usually occurs after an injury or other cause. But, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chronic pain disorder affects around 25 million Americans. At Healthstar Physicians Family Medicine in Newport, our osteopathic providers are here to help you with any chronic pain you are experiencing. If you’re looking for help with pain management or a chronic pain disorder, schedule an appointment today!
SIGNS YOU MIGHT HAVE A CHRONIC PAIN DISORDER
When it comes to chronic pain, there are some signs that can let you know if you have a chronic pain disorder. In our previous post, we talked about the top causes of chronic pain. But if your type or cause of pain isn’t on that list, it doesn’t negate the fact that you’re experiencing chronic pain.
The most important aspect is figuring out if you have chronic pain. From there, you can work with your provider to find ways to get relief from the pain and start searching for the cause or source of that pain.
What Are the Symptoms of a Chronic Pain Disorder?
When it comes to chronic pain and chronic pain disorders, there is not a black and white list of symptoms that help diagnose chronic pain. This is because chronic pain is not caused by one specific condition.
Instead, chronic pain is a term given to any type of pain that persists for more than three to six months. Beyond that, the persistence or type of pain can vary. You can experience constant, sharp pain — or you could have dull pain. The pain might also subside for a period of time but it will return again and again, fluctuating between steady and intermittent pain. Beyond that, the pain can feel like an aching, burning, or a completely different or changing sensation.
However, there are some common symptoms that are associated with chronic pain disorder. These can include:
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Burning pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased activity
- Mood problems
- Anxiety and irritability
- Loss of stamina and fatigue
Since chronic pain is not a set type of disorder with consistent symptoms, this type of pain can occur in any part of your body. But if the type of pain or symptom you experience persists for a long period of time, that’s a good indication that you have a chronic pain disorder.
SCHEDULE A CHRONIC PAIN APPOINTMENT
When it comes to chronic pain, finding the root cause can help with pain management.
If you think you have a chronic pain disorder, then that’s something you want to talk to your doctor about. Schedule an appointment with our osteopathic providers at Healthstar Physicians Family Medicine in Newport today!
