Whether you have aging pains or live with an unhealed illness or injury, you are among more than 100 million Americans who suffer from constant chronic pain. There are some areas in the body that are more prone to chronic pain, so here are a few helpful tips to help manage them.
Five Areas That Are Prone To Chronic Pain
The chronic pain definition is distinct pain from an illness, injury, aging, or an undiagnosed condition that last for more than three months and affect movement, strength, and endurance.
Lower back pain is the most common area that Americans seek help because of injury, disc pressure, long periods of inactivity, or from aging which can begin as early as your thirties but is more likely after fifty. Symptoms include intense pain, weakness in legs, and in more severe cases, a loss of functions in the bladder, bowel, or stomach. If your pain does not ease after an initial occurrence, try chronic pain exercises like cardio or strength training. Also, sign up for our physical therapy to learn techniques and chronic pain education for patients.
Do you suffer from migraines or pain in the face or eyes? It is the second most common area that people experience chronic pain. Migraine triggers include stress, dehydration, tension, seasonal changes, or some foods. Symptoms include throbbing pain, blurry vision, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting. While there are no diagnostic tests to measure migraine pain, chronic pain doctors depend on your symptoms and medical history to determine if you suffer from migraines or another underlying cause. Try a massage or OTC medication. If it persists for more than three days, a chronic pain doctor can prescribe migraine medication.
Your nerves run throughout the body. The Central Nervous System (CNS) controls the brain, the eyes, and the spinal cord while the Peripheral Nervous System controls the neuron clusters, sensory neurons, and nerves connecting the CNS to the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It is very common to have chronic pain as it occurs from medical illnesses like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome or when the nerves are pinched or pressed. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness. It is also quite common in people who have jobs in manufacturing or admin. When at our chronic pain clinic, ask about PT, OT, pain relievers, or surgery options.
Experiencing chronic pain from the deterioration of cartilage between bone joints is commonly felt in the hip, hands, and knees. Sometimes, it occurs from an injury, wear-and-tear, or inflammation. In fact, one in three aging adults will experience an illness like osteoarthritis in their lifetimes which is why physical activity will improve health, strengthen joint muscles, and reduce joint and bone pressure. It is important to receive chronic pain counseling to learn about your condition and the best treatment options available.
Over time, your muscle fibers lose their density and flexibility which is why you often feel soreness or injury-related pain. You may also experience a chronic pain disorder that affects muscles which you will want to gain advice before starting a new activity, exercise, or training regimen. Doing yoga or daily stretching will help and avoid lifting heavy items. If you strain your muscle, get some rest, use ice, or ask us about therapy or muscle relaxers.
Visit us at the Maryland Pain & Wellness Center for a complete evaluation and chronic pain diagnosis. We will also take a multidisciplinary approach to your chronic pain management.
