Chronic Pain Defined | The Sources of Chronic Pain
We all overdo it every now and then, ending up with muscle aches and other pain that can last for a while. In most instances, and with most conditions, that pain eventually subsides. Occasionally, though, the pain persists, making it difficult to engage in many of the ordinary activities of daily life. That’s when you’re experiencing “chronic pain.”
As a general rule, any pain that lasts more than 12 weeks should be treated as chronic pain. The pain need not be sharp or excruciating; in fact, many debilitating conditions involve lower levels of discomfort that simply won’t go away. Such conditions can involve aches, sharp or dull pain, and even burning sensations. Often, the discomfort is intermittent, coming and going without rhyme or reason.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
In most instances, chronic pain stems from a traumatic injury. For example, a slip-and-fall, sports injury, or car accident can cause trauma or damage to nerves or nerve endings. While some nerve damage can be the consequence of a spine injury, simply treating the spinal injury won’t necessarily address all nerve injury or relieve the chronic pain. You need a medical professional who will treat both the underlying injury and nerve damage associated with it.
There also are many situations where individuals experience chronic pain without traumatic injury:
- Fibromyalgia—This condition manifests with considerable pain in muscle tissue and bones.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome—As the name suggests, chronic fatigue syndrome involves persistent loss of energy but also can include pronounced discomfort.
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)—This condition affects the jaw and often involves clicking, popping, or locking of the joint.
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we offer comprehensive treatment of chronic pain, with a wide array of strategies to help address your condition.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who are experiencing chronic pain. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.