What Causes Chronic Pain?

What causes chronic pain?

By definition, chronic pain is pain lasting longer than about 12 weeks. It might occur as a result of a personal injury or numerous other health conditions. Possible causes of chronic pain include: 

• •  Whiplash from an auto accident 
  •  Head, neck, or back injuries 
  •  Other personal injuries 
  •  Nerve pain 
  •  Arthritis 
  •  Fibromyalgia 
  •  Bone fractures 
  •  Knee, ankle, and other joint injuries 

Regardless of whether your pain is chronic or acute (short-lived), seeing a medical provider to determine the cause and establish an appropriate treatment is important. If you’ve been in an automobile or other accident, getting assessed early is crucial to optimize recovery and document injuries for insurance purposes.

How is chronic pain treated?

The treatment for chronic pain that best matches your needs depends on what’s causing the pain and how severe it is. When you arrive at PTCare, your provider goes over your medical and accident history and completes a physical examination. 

They may also recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, to diagnose specific injuries. Your individualized treatment plan might include:

Physical therapy

Your provider may recommend physical therapy to ease chronic pain and prevent future injuries with strengthening and stretching exercises. 

Laser/Ultrasound therapy 

Your provider uses laser or ultrasound therapy, light or high-frequency sound waves, to promote tissue healing and ease pain caused by injuries. 

Interferential electrical nerve stimulation 

During interferential nerve stimulation, your provider uses low-frequency electrical stimulation to enhance healing and ease pain. 

Other conservative treatments 

In addition to the conservative treatments mentioned above, your provider might also suggest other noninvasive treatments for chronic pain. Examples include massage, dry needling, ComforTrac traction, and heat or ice therapy. 

Medications or injections 

In some cases, oral or topical medications or injections are necessary to ease pain, help your muscles relax, improve sleep quality, or decrease inflammation. 

Surgery 

Surgery is a last resort for pain management but might be a good option if less invasive treatments have failed. 

This article presents only educational material and should not be taken as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Before following any advice found here or in other medical instructional materials, please consult with your doctor.