Exploring the Most Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Millions of Americans live with chronic pain, a condition that disrupts daily life, affects emotional well-being, and often feels like a never-ending struggle. In this article, we’ll explore what chronic pain is, its most common causes, and why treating it requires a different approach than short-term or acute pain.
At Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY, our team is dedicated to helping chronic pain patients find real, lasting relief. If persistent pain is interfering with your life, contact our specialists today to schedule a consultation.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts more than three months or continues after an injury or illness has healed. It’s more than just ongoing discomfort; it’s a complex pain syndrome that affects both the body and the brain.
Unlike acute pain, which is a sudden response to injury, chronic pain is often persistent, sometimes with no clear underlying cause. It’s a condition that can alter how your brain and central nervous system process pain signals, making your body more sensitive to discomfort over time, a phenomenon known as central sensitization.
Chronic pain can be localized, like back pain or knee pain, or more widespread, as in the case of fibromyalgia. It can be linked to obvious injuries or medical conditions, or it might arise with no identifiable trigger.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Understanding the causes of chronic pain is the first step to effective pain management. Here are some of the most frequent contributors:
Back and Neck Pain
These are among the most common complaints from chronic pain patients. They can stem from:
- Muscle strain or poor posture
- Herniated discs pressing on nerves
- Arthritis of the spine
- Previous traumatic injuries
One specific condition, sciatica, results from irritation of the sciatic nerve, leading to sharp pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg.
Arthritis
Over 100 types of arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The most common include:
- Osteoarthritis: This is caused by wear and tear on cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: One of many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints
- Gout: Triggered by uric acid crystal buildup.
These conditions contribute to ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and can significantly impact daily life.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Patients often report associated symptoms like memory problems and mood issues. Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be tricky because symptoms fluctuate, and there’s no definitive test.
Neurological Conditions
Disorders that affect the brain and spinal cord often lead to chronic pain:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes nerve damage, weakness, and persistent pain.
- Peripheral neuropathy is often linked to diabetes, which causes tingling, burning, and numbness, especially in the legs and feet.
Reproductive Health Issues
Women may experience chronic abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort from conditions like:
Pain shouldn’t be dismissed as “normal.” These are serious health issues that deserve medical attention.
Other Causes
Other potential contributors include:
- Heart disease or prior heart attacks (myocardial infarction)
- Knee replacement surgery recovery
- Unresolved traumatic injury
- Ongoing emotional distress
How Chronic Pain Is Treated
Because of its complexity, treating chronic pain requires a personalized, long-term strategy. At Maiden Lane Medical, our pain specialists take a holistic approach, combining medical expertise with compassionate care.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Identifying the underlying cause of persistent pain often involves:
- Imaging tests (MRI, CT scans)
- Nerve conduction studies
- Detailed physical and symptom evaluation
Multidisciplinary Care
We use a variety of treatment options, including:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and reduce strain
- Medication management (anti-inflammatories, nerve pain drugs, antidepressants)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to manage emotional distress
- Mind-body interventions like biofeedback, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques
Custom Treatment Plans
No two chronic pain patients are alike. We develop individualized care plans that evolve with your symptoms and lifestyle, targeting both the type of pain and associated symptoms like fatigue or anxiety.
Get Personalized Chronic Pain Relief in Manhattan
You don’t have to live with severe pain or let it control your life. At Maiden Lane Medical, we believe in uncovering the root of your symptoms and providing lasting relief, not just temporary fixes.
Our experienced healthcare providers understand the complex nature of chronic pain and offer advanced diagnostic tools and personalized pain management strategies. Whether you’re dealing with musculoskeletal pain, nerve pain, or unexplained ongoing pain, we’re here to help.
Take the first step today. Contact one of our offices in NYC to schedule your consultation and discover a path forward to comfort, health, and healing.
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