Chronic pain is a pervasive health issue that persists for longer than three months. These issues can be caused by injury, illness, or underlying medical conditions. Advancements in medical treatments and therapies provide avenues for pain management. Understanding common chronic pain conditions helps individuals access pain management services that help alleviate symptoms.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Chronic pain can manifest in different forms and affect various parts of the body.
- Back Pain: Symptoms of chronic back pain include persistent aching, stiffness, or sharp, shooting sensations that radiate down the legs. Poor posture, repetitive movements, or obesity can exacerbate this condition.
- Joint Pain: Joint pain may result from arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), gout, or injuries such as ligament tears. Symptoms often include swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the affected joints.
- Neck Pain: Common sources involve poor posture, cervical spine issues, whiplash injuries, or degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. Symptoms include persistent stiffness, limited range of motion, headaches, or tingling sensations in the arms.
Specialists help patients address these conditions with pain management services.
Pain Management Services
For those living with chronic pain, there are several advanced treatment options available. Pain management treatments are tailored to address specific symptoms and conditions. Specialists utilize different non-invasive and surgical options to treat the patient’s chronic pain. These procedures may be used with specialized physical therapy for comprehensive care.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves using a patient’s platelets by drawing a small amount of blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the targeted area. PRP therapy is often used to address joint pain and soft tissue injuries.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in specific areas. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the affected site, temporarily relieving conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and spinal nerve irritation. Steroid injections may help manage flare-ups or as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a regenerative treatment that injects a solution (often dextrose) into injured or inflamed tissues. The injection encourages the body to produce collagen, strengthening and stabilizing weakened ligaments and joints. This treatment is commonly used for back, neck, and joint pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disable nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This therapy is often used to treat chronic back and neck pain caused by conditions like facet joint arthritis. RFA aims to provide longer-lasting relief and has a relatively short recovery period.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device beneath the skin that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord. These signals interrupt pain messages sent to the brain, reducing the perception of discomfort. This treatment is used for chronic pain that does not respond well to other interventions, such as severe back pain, nerve pain, or post-surgical pain.
Schedule an Appointment
Chronic pain specialists help individuals access pain management services, ranging from back pain, joint discomfort, or neck stiffness. Pain management professionals can help address symptoms with their specialized and comprehensive treatments. Schedule an appointment today to discuss specific symptoms and learn more about treatment options.
