Understanding Chronic Pain

According to WebMD, pain is a natural indicator of something gone wrong in the body — namely illness or injury. As such, pain typically subsides when the body has healed. For many people, however, pain may continue even after its cause has gone away. Pain that lasts three to six months or more is called chronic pain.

Chronic pain can affect one's mental and physical health. An estimated 25% of people with chronic pain will also develop a condition called chronic pain syndrome, or CPS. Persons with CPS suffer symptoms that are more than just physical (such as depression or anxiety), affecting multiple aspects of one’s everyday life.

Causes of Chronic Pain

There are several possible causes of chronic pain. Aging, for instance, may bring about various conditions that affect the bones and joints. Nerve damage and injuries that do not heal properly may also cause chronic pain.

The sensation of pain itself stems from several messages that travel through the nervous system. Any injury will effectively trigger the pain sensors in the affected area, sending a message from nerve to nerve until it reaches the brain. With chronic pain, the nerve signals keep firing even after the cause of the pain has been resolved.

Diagnosing Chronic Pain

According to Cleveland Clinic, since pain is subjective, it can only be accurately identified and described by the person experiencing it. As such, patients should see a doctor if they find themselves experiencing pain for longer than three or six months. Dr. Lewis can diagnose chronic pain during a one-on-one consultation. He may ask about:

• Any illnesses or surgeries they have had
• Any stress or anxieties the patient has been experiencing
• How frequently the pain occurs
• How much the pain affects daily activities
• The intensity of the pain
• What ameliorates or worsens the pain
• Where the pain is located

Patients may also need to undergo a thorough physical examination to determine the cause of the pain. Our team may conduct blood tests, electromyography, imaging tests, nerve conduction studies, reflex and balance tests, spinal fluid tests, and urine tests (depending on the patient's condition) to get the most accurate possible diagnosis.

Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Pain Management

With regenerative medicine, we can help stimulate a patient's body's ability to heal itself and alleviate chronic pain. Types of regenerative medicine we offer include hyaluronic acid injection treatment, prolotherapy, PRP treatment, and stem cell therapy. Regenerative medicine procedures are all non-surgical, non-invasive procedures that use naturally occurring substances to replace damaged tissue or organs.

Hyaluronic acid injection treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the affected joints to provide extra cushioning. In contrast, prolotherapy involves injecting a natural irritant into the soft tissue to trigger a healing response. Furthermore, PRP treatment uses platelet-rich plasma to reduce inflammation cells and enhance cellular growth. Finally, stem cell therapy utilizes the patient's stem cells and applies them to the arthritic joint, reducing inflammation and developing them into the necessary cartilage cells.

Chiropractic Care for Chronic Pain Management

Chiropractic care may also benefit those with chronic joint or back pain. According to WebMD, chiropractic care involves manual spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. It is so common that approximately 22 million Americans visit chiropractors every year — making it the most common back pain relief alternative available.

Once the body's musculoskeletal structure has been properly aligned (especially the spine), the body should be able to heal itself without medication or surgery. Spinal manipulation can also restore mobility to joints that have been injured by a traumatic event. Though chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative, it is also often used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.

Call Us Today

Chronic pain management can help you return to your everyday activities. We at Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine can help. Call us today at 423-424-1529 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to prepare myself for my appointment?

Many patients find it helps them to keep a pain journal to keep track of their symptoms. Take note of when your symptoms are worse, better, and any correlating factors. You should also bring a record of any medications you have tried and are currently taking to alleviate your pain. If you have any previous X-rays, CT scans, and MRI films, these can also be helpful. Most importantly, do not be afraid to be prepared with any questions you may have for Dr. Lewis.

What is the difference between acute pain and chronic pain?

Acute pain is a normal response to injury and goes away once the cause of the pain has been resolved. Chronic pain persists even after the cause of the pain has been resolved and lasts three to six months or longer. Acute pain can develop into chronic pain if it is not properly treated, so early intervention is key.

What is chronic pain management?

Chronic pain management is a comprehensive system that encompasses diagnosing, treating, and controlling chronic pain. Here at Spine & Joint Regenerative Health, we take a customized approach to manage and treat all aspects of a patient's chronic pain.

Is regenerative medicine painful?

Regenerative medicine procedures are non-surgical and non-invasive, meaning they are done through the skin and do not require stitches afterward. While this reduces the risk of infection and complications, it is not uncommon to feel some pain after an injection. We will do everything in our power to minimize your discomfort while providing you with quality care.

What is the prognosis for chronic pain?

Though the specifics depend on the cause of your pain, most patients with chronic pain can lead normal, functioning lives with the right chronic pain management team on their side. We can help. Call us today.