When we talk about chronic pain, we are referring to consistent or constant pain that lasts for longer than 12 weeks. But what are the top causes of chronic pain?
In this post, we are going to discuss some of the more common causes for chronic pain, and what could be the root problem for that type of pain.
If you are dealing with chronic pain, make sure you find a family medicine provider that can help. At Healthstar Physicians Family Medicine in Newport, we have board certified doctors of osteopathy who can take a whole-body approach to your pain. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!
COMMON CAUSES OF CHRONIC PAIN
It’s not uncommon to experience the occasional aches and pains from different injuries or wrong moves. But what makes that pain vary from chronic pain is that it goes away.
On the other hand, chronic pain is a type of pain that endures. While the pain might fade or disappear altogether on some days, this type of pain is recurring and can come back or become worse. But regardless of the current pain level, all chronic pain requires daily management and can make even the simplest of daily tasks challenging.
There are a variety of causes for chronic pain, and that pain can manifest in a variety of ways. In this post, we want to talk about some of the more common causes of chronic pain.
Back Pain
A study done by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows that at least 84% of American adults will experience chronic back pain at some point. But there is not just one cause for this type of pain. In fact, it can happen from a variety of things, including:
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal fractures
- Compression fractures
- Muscle strain
- Bulging or slipped disc
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis, lordosis, and other structural deformities
Nerve Pain
Nerve, or neuropathic, pain can feel like a burning or shooting pain that moves up your nerves. When it comes to chronic nerve pain, the severity of that pain can feel unrelenting and severe or come and go over time.
There are countless causes for nerve pain, but some of the more common reasons can come from:
- Chemotherapy
- Amputation
- HIV or AIDS
- Spine surgery
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord or nerve compression
- Shingles
- Diabetic neuropathy
Joint Pain
Joints are the connections between the bones that work to provide support and help you move. So it’s not surprising that chronic joint pain can cause a lot of pain and mobility issues.
But it’s also important to note that joint pain is very common. In a national study, they found that one in three participants had experienced joint pain within the last month. But that doesn’t negate the pain associated with chronic joint pain.
Since joint pain is so common, there are a variety of problems and illnesses that can cause chronic joint pain, including:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Tendinitis
- Arthritis (including rheumatoid, osteoarthritis juvenile idiopathic, gonococcal, and psoriatic)
- Repetitive motion injury
- Strains, sprains, and other injuries
Headaches and Migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines can be debilitating and tremendously affect a person’s work or daily life. In fact, a chronic headache is defined as a headache that lasts for more than 15 days a month.
Chronic headaches and migraines can be caused by:
- Infections (like meningitis)
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury
- Inflammation around the brain
- Stroke
- Cluster headaches caused by the enlargement of blood vessels in the brain
- Tension headaches from fatigue, stress, or sleeping incorrectly
- Eye strain
FIND A PROVIDER FOR YOUR CHRONIC PAIN
Since there are so many different causes for chronic pain, there is no one way to treat that pain. Treatment options can range from things like medication and physical therapy to exercise and diet. But the best way to get help specific for your chronic pain is to visit your family practice provider for solutions.
At Healthstar Physicians Family Medicine in Newport, all of our providers are doctors of osteopathic medicine. This means that they take a holistic approach to both treating and preventing illnesses. With something like chronic pain, this kind of view can help you work towards a solution that provides you and your entire body some relief.
Right now, we are accepting new patients. Reach out to our family practice to schedule an appointment and find relief from your chronic pain today!
