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Chronic pain comes in many forms and can occur from a variety of circumstances such as traumatic injury, disease and medical afflictions such as migraines, arthritis as well as other muscular and skeletal conditions. In the past, those suffering from chronic pain often had few treatment options and were resigned to living with their pain. Things have changed over the years with advances in medicine and now there is no reason for sufferers to live with chronic pain as many treatment options are available. What is Chronic Pain? According to many medical sources, chronic pain is defined as frequently recurring severe pain that flares up frequently and does not respond adequately to common over the counter pain relief medications. This type of pain is also categorized as pain that lasts for a period of more than 6 months, is due to non-life threatening conditions and if not treated or controlled, may be experienced for the lifetime of the person suffering. The Causes of Chronic Pain There are many factors and conditions that can lead to chronic pain in humans. Some are the results of aging and others may be triggered by injury or congenital circumstances. Some of the more common causes include: • Injuries that were not properly healed • Damage to nerves • Severe injuries • Arthritis • Degenerative bone disease • Ulcers • Migraines • Poor posture • Scoliosis Chronic Pain Relief – What Are The Options Most current pain managment solutions involve the use of medications and in some cases, behavioral modifications, physical therapy and even acupuncture. Though over the counter medications can be used to treat some forms of chronic pain, prescription strength options are usually more effective in helping chronic pain sufferers to live pain free. It is always important to consult a physician before taking any prescription pain medication but some of the options that you will likely see include: Carisoprodol (Soma), Butalbital (Fioricet), Celebrex, and Tramadol (Ultram). In the extreme cases, treatment may also involve the use of a patient controlled drip mechanism that provides a continuous supply of pain medication. Others may benefit from Trigger Point Injections which involve delivering pain medication directly to the muscles. Surgical implants and Electric Therapy are also sometimes used (although mostly in those with unique conditions and requirements). Physical therapy is most often used while increasing the body’s flexibility and movement in those suffering with chronic pain. This approach is sometimes combined with electrical nerve stimulation which attempts to interfere with the pain signals being sent to the brain for additional relief during physical therapy. Psychological Effects of Chronic Pain Chronic pain can have several addtional impacts on you that are completely psychological in nature. Feelings of sadness, despair and anger can have an impact on your personality and affect other areas of your life such as sleep patterns and inducing stress (which may actually make your physical pain worse). Treating the psychological effects of chronic pain can be difficult and is usually approached from the standpoint of modifying lifestyle practices and your behavior that trigger physical pain; this, along with being educated can be an effective way to treat the psychological conditions of chronic pain. The treatement options put forth in this article are merely an introduction to this wide and complex topic. It is always best to consult with your doctor prior to engaging any treatment methods for chronic pain. It is only after getting a complete view of the cause that you can find the right treatment program. The main thing to remember is that it is no longer necessary to live with pain and that many treatment options are available. Taking the first steps towards treatment can be difficult for many but the benefits of a thorough pain management regimen can add significantly to your quality of life.
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