Chronic pain

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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Chronic pain
Synonyms	Persistent pain
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain lasting more than 3 to 6 months
Complications	Depression, anxiety, decreased quality of life
Onset	Gradual or sudden
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Injury, disease, nerve damage, psychological factors
Risks	Age, genetics, lifestyle factors
Diagnosis	Medical history, physical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Acute pain, psychogenic pain
Prevention	Healthy lifestyle, early intervention
Treatment	Medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy, surgery
Medication	Analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants
Prognosis	Varies; often requires long-term management
Frequency	Affects millions worldwide
Deaths	Rarely directly fatal, but can lead to complications

Chronic pain is a complex and persistent pain condition that lasts for more than three months. It can arise from an initial injury, such as a back sprain, or there may be an ongoing cause, such as illness. However, some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage.

Causes

Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Injury
• Surgery
• Nerve damage
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine
• Multiple sclerosis

Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic pain can vary widely and may include:

• Persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or years
• Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes
• Decreased appetite

Diagnosis

Diagnosing chronic pain involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans

Treatment

Treatment for chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Medications such as analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants
• Physical therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Nerve blocks
• Surgery

Management

Managing chronic pain involves a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, such as:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Stress management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

See Also

• Pain management
• Neuropathic pain
• Inflammatory pain

References

• CDC Chronic Pain Factsheet
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke