Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

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 diet; managing stress, and; maintaining good posture, especially if engaged in heavy manual labor.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is pain associated with inflammation of joints in the rib cage where cartilage meets the bone of the ribs or the breastbone. It is a common cause of chest pain and is referred to as Tietze syndrome when there is swelling around the affected joints.…
Diseases & conditions

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is a common symptom. As the body’s most mobile joint, the shoulder comes under a great deal of stress throughout a lifetime. An overuse of shoulder muscles and tendons is a common cause of shoulder pain. Modifying certain activities can help prevent further shoulder pain.…
Diseases & conditions

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common condition that causes widespread stiffness, aches and pain in muscles throughout the body. It can also cause extreme tiredness, which can interfere with carrying out normal activities. In some people the symptoms may come and go, while others experience pain every day.…
Diseases & conditions

Headache

A headache can be defined as pain that is felt in the head or upper neck. The type of pain associated with a headache may be described as dull, sharp, constant, throbbing, mild or intense. Headaches are one of the most common health-related conditions and are usually caused by more than one factor.…
Diseases & conditions

Back pain

Back pain is a common symptom of different underlying conditions such as arthritis and muscular sprains. Most back pain improves with appropriate treatment. However, prevention through good posture and safe lifting is equally important.…
Diseases & conditions

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is the inflammation of thin membranes lining the lungs and inner chest wall, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. As the lungs expand the membranes rub together, causing sharp, stabbing chest pains. Medications are often needed to help treat the condition.…

About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 13 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 85 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Costochondritis

×

Content goes in here.