Five examples of chronic pain are:

Fibromyalgia — This condition causes chronic pain in the muscle tissues throughout the entire body. Normally, pain that is located in the muscle tissues would be categorized as nociceptive, which means the pain comes from soft tissue. But because the pain of fibromyalgia does not actually stem from the muscles, it does not fit this categorization. Since there is no actual damage to the soft tissue, doctors do not know why people with fibromyalgia experience chronic pain.

Diabetic Neuropathy — Nerve damage from a case of diabetes, known as diabetic neuropathy, causes pain that travels around the body. This condition is often described as a radiating wave of burning, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation, similar to when a limb falls asleep. This type of pain is extremely difficult to treat and can be incredibly challenging to live with.

Endometriosis — A condition where the tissue in the uterus expands to grow outside of the uterus, endometriosis is a painful condition that affects women. Modern medicine is still unsure what causes endometriosis, but it is often extremely painful.

Arthritis — A build up of fluid in joints that results in swelling and inflammation, arthritis makes moving and performing basic tasks very painful. Arthritic pain continues for a few months, which can make it difficult to live day-to-day life.

Plantar Fasciitis — Plantar fasciitis is a type of chronic pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the connective tissues that attach the ball of the foot to the heel. Although there are ways to manage it and reduce symptoms, if left untreated, it can often become a chronic condition.

Chronic pain becomes unbearable when it interferes with day-to-day life and results in the following complications:

• Decreased quality of life
• Depression
• Substance abuse disorders
• Worsening of existing chronic disease
• Increased risk of suicidal ideation or suicide
• Changes in mood, anger, confusion, fear
• Tension and anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Disinterest in sex
• Variations in weight (both gain and loss)
• Sleep troubles and feelings of fatigue
• Poor eating habits

If chronic pain is left untreated, it can result in a long list of complications and modified lifestyle choices. For example, many people with chronic pain are afraid to make certain movements that could result in pain. This causes them to drift away from “normal” movements and change the way they walk, sit, stand, lay, bend, turn, etc. Because of this, certain muscles and joints are overused and others are severely underused. In turn, this often leads to new acute and chronic problems. Chronic pain impacts sleep, stress, and emotional disposition, such as anxiety or depression. In addition to this, people with chronic pain tend to socially isolate themselves, and be less involved in social activities, which can further exacerbate depression and other mental conditions. Other common sequelae of untreated chronic pain include sleep disturbances, decreased mobility, decreased concentration, and impaired immunity.

Chronic pain management is the field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of pain-related disorders. This type of medicine utilizes a multidisciplinary approach in which a team of medical professionals works together to provide a complete picture of healthcare, including treatments and services for patients suffering from chronic pain.

REPAIR SI, Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing you with all of your chronic pain management needs.

Call us today to book an appointment for chronic pain management, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 7146 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. We serve patients from Huntington Beach CA, Fountain Valley CA, Westminster CA, Costa Mesa CA, Newport Beach CA, Midway City CA, and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!