What are the Most Common Chronic Pain Issues?

Chronic pain is any lingering pain that has not disappeared within six months. Chronic pain disorders are typically severe or debilitating in some way or on some level, so it’s certainly understandable why many people would seek help. If you suffer from chronic pain in New Brunswick, New Jersey, you should visit Pain & Anesthesia Care. The following most common chronic pain issues include:

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, so it’s easy to see why chronic pain would be an issue. Arthritis severely limits a person’s physical abilities and independence and impacts their day-to-day life on multiple levels. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which usually affects people over the age of 50, although younger people can also develop it.

Cancer-Related Pain

Cancer treatment often causes terrible and painful side effects that last a long time, even after treatment is completed. The most common forms of cancer-related chronic pain are neuropathic (a type of nerve pain) and myofascial (which comes from the muscles themselves).

Back Pain

Back pain is widespread throughout the world, and it’s one of the most common causes of disability. Back pain can be caused by various factors such as disc degeneration, inflammation that leads to nerve compression, and much more. Car accidents and injuries from physical labor that cause muscle strain are also two major causes of back pain issues.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy is a type of nerve disorder that causes chronic pain. Neuropathic pain originates in the nerves themselves and can’t be resolved by over-the-counter medication or prescription drugs. In many cases, neuropathy doesn’t have a known cause, but some diseases such as multiple sclerosis can also cause it.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain accompanied by fatigue, memory problems, sleep issues, and even depression are typically fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibromyalgia involves the inflammation of tissues surrounding muscles which causes these symptoms. Fibromyalgia can be extremely debilitating, so it’s no wonder why many people suffer from this condition for years on end.

Migraines

While migraines are often thought of as specific painful headaches, that is a misconception, as they can be much more than that when they occur frequently and cause chronic pain. Migraine pain typically manifests in the neck, shoulders, and head, but it’s also accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbance, sensitivity to light, and noise, to name just a few. Other symptoms of chronic migraines include depression, anxiety, dizziness, and nausea.

Neck Pain

Many people who suffer from chronic migraines also have neck pain issues. Muscle spasms most often cause pain in the neck. These spasms can be brought on by specific factors such as working at a desk all day or sleeping in an uncomfortable and unsupported position.

If you are struggling with chronic pain, there is no need to wait on your symptoms to eventually subside before seeking treatment. The first step is consulting with a doctor or medical professional to rule out any more serious conditions that may be causing your pain. Once it’s determined that your symptoms are due to some form of chronic pain disorder, you will be able to find a pain specialist who can help your road to recovery.

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