Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years and is frustrating and debilitating, making it difficult to enjoy daily activities and negatively impacting your overall quality of life.
Around 15.5 million people in England live with pain, which is 34% of the population. Understanding the various types of pain is the first step towards taking control of your pain and improving your quality of life before exploring the various treatment options available.
Understanding chronic pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months, past the time it takes for an injury to heal. As opposed to acute pain, which serves as a warning sign that something is wrong and usually resolves once the underlying issue is treated, chronic pain can persist even after the original injury or condition has healed.
There are several types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, which is caused by nerve damage, nociceptive pain, which is caused by tissue and organ damage, and central pain, which is caused by central nervous system dysfunction.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, inflammation, disease, and nerve damage. It can also be caused by psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression. Chronic pain syndrome has a negative impact on both your physical and mental health. While the pain may be near-constant, there may be flare-ups of more intense pain as stress or activity levels rise.
Symptoms include:
- joint pain
- muscle aches
- burning pain
- fatigue
- sleep problems
- loss of stamina and flexibility, due to decreased activity
- mood problems, including depression, anxiety, and irritability
Chronic pain can interfere with many aspects of daily life, including sleep, work, and social relationships. It can also cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
To create an effective pain management plan, you must first understand the type and cause of your pain. The first step in understanding and treating chronic pain is frequently to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify the underlying cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatments through a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Causes of chronic pain
Not surprisingly, conditions that cause widespread and long-lasting pain are frequently associated with chronic pain syndrome. Among these conditions are:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints deteriorates over time. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, resulting in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis is a common source of long-term pain, especially in the knees, hips, and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that, if left untreated, can cause joint damage and deformity.
Back pain
Back pain is a common condition caused by a variety of factors such as injury, strain, or underlying medical conditions. Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months and can be caused by degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs, as well as injuries that cause muscle or nerve damage.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and localised tenderness. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to be associated with abnormal pain signal processing in the brain.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause intestinal inflammation and damage. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of IBD, both of which can cause chronic abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Surgical trauma
Surgical trauma is defined as the physical and emotional stress caused by surgery. In surgery, incisions are made in the body, tissues are cut, and organs, bones, and other structures are manipulated, which can result in tissue damage, inflammation, and nerve injury. While surgery is frequently required to treat medical conditions, the trauma to the body can result in chronic pain.
Advanced cancer
Cancer that has spread beyond its original site to other parts of the body is referred to as advanced cancer. Pain from advanced cancer can be caused by the tumour’s pressure on surrounding tissues and organs, nerve damage, or cancer-related treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Even when these conditions are treated with medications or therapies, some people continue to suffer from chronic pain. This type of pain is usually caused by a misunderstanding between the brain and the nervous system. Some people may experience this type of pain for unknown reasons, with no known triggers.
Chronic pain can alter the behaviour of neurons (brain cells that transmit and process sensory input), making them hypersensitive to pain signals. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 20% of people with osteoarthritis who have their knees replaced (and no longer have painful joint issues) will still experience chronic pain.
Risk factors
According to research, some people are more prone to chronic pain syndrome than others:
- Those suffering from chronic and painful diseases such as arthritis.
- Those living with depression. Experts aren’t sure why this is, but one theory is that depression alters the way the brain receives and interprets nervous system messages.
- Those who smoke. There are no definitive answers as of yet, but experts are investigating why smoking appears to aggravate pain in people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other pain disorders.
- Obese individuals. According to studies, half of those seeking treatment for obesity report mild to severe pain. Experts are unsure whether this is due to the stress that extra weight places on the body or to the complex way obesity interacts with the body’s hormones and metabolism.
- Women tend to have more sensitivity to pain. Researchers speculate that this could be due to hormones or differences in the density of female and male nerve fibres.
- Those over the age of 65. As you get older, you become more prone to various conditions that can cause chronic pain.
Easing chronic pain
Chronic pain management frequently necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that combines various treatment options. Natural methods that can help relieve chronic pain include exercise, physical therapy, and acupuncture.
Exercise and physical therapy
Exercise on a regular basis can help strengthen the muscles and joints, reducing strain on the affected area. Exercise can also aid in the reduction of inflammation, the improvement of mood, and the promotion of healing. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking, as well as exercises that focus on muscle strengthening and stretching, can be beneficial for chronic pain.
Physical therapy seeks to increase mobility, decrease inflammation, and strengthen muscles. To help manage chronic pain, physical therapists employ a variety of techniques such as massage, ultrasound, and heat therapy. They also provide home exercises and stretches to help maintain mobility and flexibility.
Acupuncture and stress management
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy in which fine needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points on the body. The theory behind the therapy is that energy, or Qi, flows through the body along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mood by stimulating these points.
Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing are all mind-body techniques that can help reduce stress, which can aggravate chronic pain. These techniques can assist people suffering from chronic pain in managing their symptoms, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
Read more: Look after your stress levels with these activities
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses a small device to deliver electrical impulses to the affected area. The therapy aims to reduce pain signals sent to the brain and can be used to manage chronic pain for short periods of time.
Lifestyle changes
Changes in lifestyle, such as stress management, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep, can also help with relief. Chronic pain frequently causes stress, which can aggravate pain. Finding ways to manage stress, such as practising relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Engaging in relaxing hobbies or activities, such as reading, gardening, or spending time in nature, can also help reduce stress levels.
A healthy diet can aid in the reduction of inflammation, the promotion of healing, and the maintenance of overall health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide the nutrients the body requires to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Some people may benefit from eating anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
Read more: 5 ways to always get your 5-a-day
Chronic pain can disrupt sleep, resulting in fatigue, irritability, and an exacerbation of pain symptoms. A regular sleep routine, as well as avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and electronic devices before bedtime, can help improve sleep quality.
Obesity and being overweight can aggravate pain, particularly in the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce body strain, improve mobility, and alleviate pain symptoms.
If you’re considering taking medication to help manage your chronic pain, consult your doctor or a healthcare professional first. The best medication for you will be determined by the type of chronic pain you are experiencing, any allergies you may have, and any medications you are currently taking.
Living with chronic pain
Chronic pain can be difficult to manage when you are not feeling well. Emotional stress can exacerbate pain. Concentrate on the positive aspects of your life and avoid isolating yourself from family and friends or activities that you enjoy.
You can also look into local support groups to connect with others in similar situations. It is essential to seek both psychological and physical support. If you believe your doctors are dismissing your pain, don’t be afraid to seek second opinions from other healthcare professionals. For referrals, ask friends for recommendations and contact support groups, health organisations dedicated to a specific disorder, and local hospitals.