Did you know that 25% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain?

Chronic pain can come in all shapes and sizes. To many people, chronic pain is just something they have learned to live with as a result of an injury or a traumatic event such as a car accident. Chronic pain can significantly impact someone’s ability to function and their daily life.

In this blog, we will define chronic pain, give a few examples, and explain the dangerous effects it can have long-term if left untreated.

Defining Chronic Pain

Put simply, chronic pain is any pain that lasts for over three months time. Chronic pain is different from acute pain in that it doesn’t get better over time. Acute pain, perhaps from a bruise or a broken bone, will eventually heal as the body does its job of recovery.

Chronic pain continues long after an injury or illness, and sometimes for no apparent reason. Chronic pain, no matter how insignificant or severe, should always be addressed. The human body is designed to help self-manage and recover. Thus, when the pain is long-lasting, it can leave significant damage to nerves, muscles, joints, and even mental pathways.

If your pain lasts longer than a month or two, you should consider seeking the help of a medical professional or a chiropractor.

Common Areas of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can come in many different forms around the body. From aching to burning, to shooting, to throbbing, to stinging pain, chronic pain can have a drastic negative impact if left untreated. The most common areas where chronic pain occurs include:

• Athritis
• Joint Pain
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Hip Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Leg Pain
• Foot Pain
• Headaches
• Lasting Pain in Scar Tissue
• Muscle Pain (Fibromyalgia)
• Nerve Pain

The Dangerous Effects of Chronic Pain

If left untreated, chronic pain can grow into a more serious issue that affects the entire wellness of the body. Chronic pain can and will destroy the functions of the human body over time.

For example, if you suffered a knee injury that continues to have lasting pain weeks or months after the injury, your brain, and your body will lose trust (and strength) in the knee that was injured. Furthermore, your opposite knee (the one that wasn’t injured) will be compensating for the knee that was injured and be put at further risk of injury. Additionally, after living with chronic pain, your brain will change its behavior and trust in the body.

Some people also have chronic pain that’s not tied to an injury or physical illness. Many healthcare professionals call this response psychogenic pain or psychosomatic pain – a kind of pain that is caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Many medical scientists believe this connection comes from low levels of endorphins in the blood. (Endorphins are natural chemicals that the body releases to trigger positive feelings). Chronic pain can certainly turn into emotional and mental trauma if left untreated.

It is also entirely possible to have multiple layers of pain at the same time, mental, emotional, and physical.

How To Treat Chronic Pain

There is no “right way” to treat chronic pain, as every case is different and each solution to pain might be different. Some of the most common ways to treat chronic pain include:

• Muscle-relaxers
• Antidepressants
• Sedatives
• Topical Products
• Medical Marijuana

Additionally, seeing an experienced chiropractor can be crucial to pinpointing the root cause of your chronic pain. Chiropractors are trained to trace the effects of injuries and locate the causes that might contribute to chronic pain.

Get Help From A Chiropractor

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, it’s time to do something about it. Get the help of a chiropractor. A chiropractor can help you pinpoint the source of your pain and present you with holistic solutions to help your body heal naturally.

Give us a call today for a same-day appointment. 918-836-7900

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