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How is chronic pain treated?

The type of treatment used for chronic pain will depend on the type and severity of the pain and how well the pain responds to a particular treatment. General principles include using treatments with the least side effects, incorporating non-pharmacological therapies, treating any depressive symptoms, and making lifestyle changes to avoid common triggers. It is difficult to cure chronic pain, so treatment is mainly aimed at helping patients to learn to live with the pain and control the symptoms. Physical activity and exercise are important, when possible, as these can often help manage pain levels, improve self-esteem and help prevent conditions such as weight gain and muscle wasting, which are often the long-term effects of living with chronic pain.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is chronic pain?

Pain can be described as either acute or chronic. Acute pain is generally the result of an injury, illness or surgery and usually eases after its initial onset. By three months, the body has had enough time to heal from most causes of acute pain. Any pain that lingers …

What are the symptoms of chronic pain?

Chronic pain may be felt in a particular region of the body, or all over the body. Some of the more common symptoms of chronic pain include: discomfort; sore muscles and stiff joints; decreased range of motion; fatigue; nerve pain that feels like …

What causes chronic pain?

There are many medical conditions that can lead to the development of chronic pain. Some of the more common causes may include: headaches; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; headaches; diabetes; nerve damage; multiple sclerosis, and; fibromyalgia.

Who develops chronic pain?

Chronic pain is more likely in people over 45 years of age, and becomes more common as people get older. The leading physical factors that may increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain include: being female; having a history of migraine and fibromyalgia; …

How is chronic pain diagnosed?

Chronic pain may be diagnosed from a detailed medical history and a physical examination, to assess tender areas and reflexes. Diagnostic tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays, can be used to identify changes such as spinal injury, fractures …

Can chronic pain be cured?

Chronic pain is often a lifelong condition, but it can be well managed by using a range of targeted treatments.

Can chronic pain be prevented?

Chronic pain cannot always be prevented, but there are some measures that may reduce the risk of developing it, which include: treating health problems early; getting regular exercise; maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints; eating a balanced …

How common is chronic pain?

Chronic pain affects up to one in five people. It becomes more common in an older population and may affect up to one in three people over 65 years of age.

What factors can trigger chronic pain?

Depending on the cause of chronic pain, some triggers include: stress; physical exertion; other illnesses; poor posture, and; certain foods.

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About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 13 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 866 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Costochondritis

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