Pain can be due to many reasons – and when it is chronic pain, it is often due to underlying medical conditions. While it affects each person differently, pain can prevent you from living the life you want.
Many Americans live with chronic pain. In fact, about one in five Americans suffers from it. Pain can be due to a number of factors such as nerve damage, arthritis, and injury.
Only a medical professional can give you an accurate diagnosis of the specific cause of your chronic pain. The sooner you see a pain doctor, the sooner you can get pain relief and proper pain treatment.
Let’s talk about some of the underlying health conditions that most often cause chronic pain, and what can be done about them:
Fibromyalgia
This is a disorder which is characterized by body pain, oftentimes all over the body. It is accompanied by sleep, mood, and memory issues, as well as constant fatigue.
Fibromyalgia interferes with the way your body processes pain signals, and the resulting pain that you feel is amplified. For example, a person with this condition may feel pain just because someone gives them a normal hug.
Fibromyalgia is usually preceded by an intensely stressful period (causing emotional trauma), an injury, or an infection. Patients who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia are prone to developing anxiety and depression because they experience intense widespread chronic pain.
Chronic Pain in the Arm, Hand, Leg, and Foot
Constant pain that is felt in the extremities is most often due to inflammatory conditions. The usual suspects are arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
This type of chronic pain may also be a result of injuries such as strains, bone fractures, or ligament tears. Someone who was injured in a car accident or sports incident may have resulting pain that doesn’t go away, and this should be evaluated and treated by a specialized pain physician.
Furthermore, the type of work that you do may also make you susceptible to repetitive stress injuries in the shoulders, elbows, hands, legs, and feet – and these injuries can cause unending pain. Examples of this are computer or desk work or lifting heavy items.
Another reason for pain felt in the extremities is peripheral neuropathy. This is often a side effect of diabetes, but it can also be caused by anything that inflames or injures the nerves in the peripheral nervous system (i.e., the nerves outside the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord).
Chronic Pain in the Neck, Face, and Head
Pain felt in the head, face, and neck is often due to headache. Your neck and face pain may also be due to myofascial pain syndrome, TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome, or jaw pain), or other chronic conditions. If you’ve been in an accident, you may also experience neck pain from whiplash or other injuries.
However, chronic pain in the head and neck area may also be due to more serious underlying conditions, such as problems with the nerves. One example of a facial nerve condition is trigeminal neuralgia. With trigeminal neuralgia, you will feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your head and face from even minor things like applying face makeup. But don’t despair: Medical pain treatments can alleviate this type of chronic pain, too.
Pain Management Experts in Austin
Chronic pain can have an isolating effect on a person. If you feel like your pain is not understood or is easily dismissed by other doctors, our team at Balcones Pain Consultants is here for you. We want you to know that you are not alone, and your pain can be relieved.
If you would like a medical evaluation or have any questions about our services, please give us a call at (512) 834-4141 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you live your life with less pain and more enjoyment!
