Types of Pain and its Causes
Different types of pain that can make life challenging for sufferers. Acute pain is usually short-lived and can disappear when the injury or illness is resolved. However, chronic pain endures much longer and can be indefinite.
Chronic pain is said to be pain that lasts six months or longer.
It can develop after an illness or injury or have an undetermined cause. There are many different types of chronic pain and conditions that can cause this type of persistent pain. For some people, chronic pain from conditions such as recurring joint or muscle pain can be a mild annoyance. For others, it’s a constant struggle that can result in:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in personality and mood
- Lost productivity at work
- An overall decline in the quality of life.
Types of Pain
Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. Chronic pain can target very vulnerable parts of the human body. Joints, muscles and bones help us move through life. Chronic pain can restrict movement, mobility and flexibility, leaving patients to view themselves as disabled. Chronic pain can be compounded by depression, and patients who move less may find they are gaining weight. Adding weight to already-stressed joints, muscles and bones can make the problem much worse and elevate depression further. Wear and tear on a body can certainly contribute to chronic pain, but people who are aging shouldn’t just explain away lasting pain because of it. Experts say many people go undiagnosed for conditions that can be treated. Some of the types and causes of chronic pain include:
- Chronic knee and joint pain
- Chronic neck and shoulder pain
- Whiplash
- Chronic Muscle Pain
- Muscle Pain
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Shingles Pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia)
- Sciatica Pain
- Arachnoiditis
- Joint Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Central Pain Syndrome
- Phantom Limb Pain
- Diabetes-Related Nerve Pain (Neuropathy)
- Depression, Anxiety and Pain
Symptoms for many chronic pain conditions are similar, so a definitive diagnosis may not come easily at first. A person who suspects that something’s wrong should talk to his or her doctor who can perform a physical exam, ask pertinent questions and order blood tests to rule out problems or make a diagnosis. From there, a doctor will likely refer a patient to a specialist who can provide more targeted care. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
There are treatments and medications that can help, and plenty that people can do to minimize their pain or prevent it from getting worse. For instance, patients may find some relief from massage, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, exercise or yoga. If a patient does become depressed or suffers from other psychological issues, counseling can help them to better cope with the situation. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help people to re-frame their thoughts, opinions and fears about pain.
