The definition of chronic pain is any pain that lasts for longer than 12 weeks. Pain can be due to injury, a medical condition or long term damage to the joints. The pain is persistent and can affect mobility, as well as cause irritation and depression.
Types of Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain can affect any part of the body, although the most common types of chronic pain are as follows:
- Joint Pain, often in the knees, hips or shoulders.
- Nerve Pain
- Back and Neck Pain
Diagnosing the Cause of Your Pain
The key to treating chronic pain is finding the underlying cause of the pain.
Common underlying causes include long term joint or nerve damage, injuries and neurological disorders. For example, back and shoulder pain could be caused by a herniated disc or a fracture.
It is important to have chronic pain treated, as it could be an indication of a more serious medical condition.
Pain Management Techniques
Treating chronic pain is dependent on the underlying cause of the pain, but in many cases medication can be prescribed. Other options for more severe pain include:BOTOX®:
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin which blocks nerve impulses so that tense and overactive muscles will relax. Botox is injected into the affected area.