Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight a frequently overlooked issue: millions of Americans experience daily chronic and acute pain.
Nearly 21% of the U.S. population (about 51.6 million adults) suffer from chronic pain, which is pain that persists for more than three months. Among them, 17.1 million individuals endure high-impact chronic pain, significantly limiting their ability to work or engage in everyday activities.
Imagine waking up every morning feeling sluggish and drained, with a nagging sense of discomfort that refuses to let up. That’s what living with chronic discomfort can be like. If you’re feeling stuck in this cycle, your doctor might send you to a pain management specialist.
Chronic pain is complex, but knowing the triggers is key to developing a treatment plan. This article will look at what chronic pain is, types of pain management, and common causes. You’ll also learn what to expect from your first visit.
What Is Pain and What Are the Most Common Causes for Pain Management?
Pain is your body’s way of signaling something is wrong. It can be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. It’s a sensation that can disrupt your daily life and well-being.
In 2021, approximately 34% of U.S. adults aged 85 and older experienced chronic pain conditions, whereas 27% of adults aged 45 to 64 faced the same issue.
Common Causes
1. Arthritis: Arthritis causes joint inflammation and pain, making everyday tasks challenging. This often results in aching and limited mobility, affecting quality of life.
2. Fibromyalgia: This is associated with widespread pain in the muscles and tenderness or stiffness. This condition may make you feel worn out and fuzzy, making daily tasks hard.
3. Spinal pain: This can come from injuries or conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs. It can limit your movement and make sitting or standing painful.
4. Cancer pains: These are often due to tumors pressing on bones or nerves. This type of pain can be relentless and hard to manage, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.
5. Circulation problems: Poor circulation can cause pain, especially in the legs and feet. It often leads to a feeling of heaviness, cramping, or numbness due to restricted blood flow.
6. Diabetes: Diabetes can result in nerve blocks known as neuropathy. This condition causes pain, tingling, and burning sensations, particularly in the hands and feet.
7. Headache: Headaches or migraines can vary from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain. They can be caused by stress, dehydration, neck pain, or other underlying conditions and often impact daily activities.
8. Sports injuries: Sports injuries, like those from playing pickleball, can lead to persistent discomfort and limited activity. These injuries can prevent you from participating in the sports you love, causing frustration and stress.
Types of Pain Management
Various medical providers will offer different diagnoses, thereby recommending different treatment options, which include:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into certain points on the body. This practice eases pain by waking up the nerves and boosting blood flow. It’s often used for long-term problems like back issues and arthritis. Many find it calming and a good alternative to medicine. Sessions are quick, and the needles usually don’t hurt, making it a gentle option.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS uses a device to send small electrical currents to the skin. These currents block pain signals to the brain. The device has sticky pads placed on the sore area. TENS works well for fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and sudden injuries. It’s easy to use at home and doesn’t involve needles. Many find it a handy way to manage pain without pain medicine.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy uses exercises and hands-on techniques to improve movement and strength. Therapists make customized plans to treat pain symptoms. These include methods such as stretches, strength exercises, and massage.
The methods fix problems like muscle imbalances or joint issues. This treatment is good for injuries, post-surgery recovery, and long-term problems like arthritis. Regular sessions help ease pain and improve movement.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce swelling and ease pain. They are used for sudden injuries and long-term problems like arthritis. These drugs block chemicals that cause swelling, lowering discomfort and puffiness.
NSAIDs can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a primary care physician. They’re often used short-term due to possible side effects. Despite the risks, NSAIDs are a common choice for quick relief.
Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants are often prescribed by healthcare professionals or pain doctors for back pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries. These pain medications work by relaxing the muscles, reducing discomfort, and improving movement. They are typically used short-term due to side effects like drowsiness. Muscle relaxants help pain patients move more comfortably and engage in therapy.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections deliver medicine directly to the painful area. They provide quick relief for arthritis, spinal cord problems, and severe joint swelling. Effects can last for months, reducing the need for oral medications. This pain treatment is helpful for localized problems not responsive to other treatments. Steroid injections are done in medical settings and offer long-lasting pain relief.
Treating Arthritis in Natural Ways
Keeping a Journal
Managing arthritis pain with natural methods can be very effective. One way is by keeping a pain journal. Write down when your pain flares up and what might have triggered it. This can help you and your pain management doctor understand your condition better.
This can lead to more effective treatment plans, reducing the need for strong painkillers or advanced treatments like radiofrequency ablation. It helps you take an active role in your recovery. This makes the process more collaborative and personalized.
Using CBD Products
Topical treatments, like CBD cream and oils, are applied to the skin. They ease discomfort in specific areas like joints and muscles. These treatments deliver active ingredients directly to the sore spot for fast relief. Topicals are a good option when avoiding oral medications like opioids and their side effects. They are effective as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Physik Can Help to Keep Pain in Check
Managing discomfort effectively can help you regain control over your daily routine. Relief is just the beginning. At Physik, our products are designed to help you reclaim your daily life, free from the burdens of discomfort.
Our CBD-based topicals, like greaseless lotion, quick-dry gel, and quick-dry spray, deliver active ingredients directly to sore areas. Fast, efficient, and gentle, they help you get back on track quickly, helping you resume your daily activities.
Say goodbye to discomfort’s control and hello to a life of ease. Ready to find your match? Our has the solutions you’re looking for. Check out our product page to see what fits your needs.