Quick Links
Chronic pain is a pain that lasts for 12 weeks or longer, often continuing past the expected healing time for an injury or illness. Chronic pain is different from acute pain. Acute pain warns us of an injury. Chronic pain can persist even after the injury heals. It can affect any part of the body. The impact can be mild or severe. This can change daily activities, sleep quality, and emotional health.
Acute vs. Chronic Pain
Acute pain is a type of pain that starts suddenly. People usually connect it to an injury, illness, or medical procedure. These pain conditions generally resolve as the body heals. Chronic pain, however, lasts for months or years and often connects to arthritis, nerve damage, or fibromyalgia. Acute pain is a symptom, but chronic pain can become a condition. It needs ongoing pain management and special health care.
What Does Chronic Pain Indicate?
Chronic pain can be a sign of ongoing inflammation, nerve or immune dysfunction, or degenerative conditions. In some cases, pain may continue even after an injury has healed. This happens because the brain and central nervous system change how they process pain signals. It can also indicate underlying health issues such as autoimmune disorders, musculoskeletal imbalances, or metabolic diseases. Because chronic pain often affects both physical function and mental health, a comprehensive evaluation is essential for effective treatment.
Chronic Pain Symptoms
- Persistent discomfort lasting longer than 12 weeks
- Aching, burning, or shooting sensations
- Stiffness or reduced mobility
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
Chronic Pain Causes
Chronic pain can develop from a wide range of conditions, injuries, or illnesses. Common causes include, but are not limited to:
- Ongoing musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis or back disorders
- Nerve-related conditions, including neuropathy or sciatica
- Previous injuries that did not fully heal
- Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
- Post-surgical complications
- Conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic migraines
There is seldom a singular cause of chronic pain, however. Even without being able to identify causal factors, however, chronic pain can be managed with the right approach.
Chronic Pain Treatment
Chronic pain often needs a long-term management plan. For initial relief, you can try medication, gentle stretching, and heat or cold therapy. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and topical treatments can help reduce discomfort. Without physical therapy, these treatments seldom improve self-efficacy, confidence, and robustness, though. Identifying and avoiding activities or movements that aggravate the pain is also important in preventing flare-ups.
Chronic Pain Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is important for managing chronic pain. It helps improve mobility, build strength, and promote non-threatening movement. Customized exercise programs, manual therapy, and systematically introducing new movements can help reduce pain levels and enhance quality of life. Physical therapy can play a key role in your care plan. It helps with both the physical and functional aspects of pain.
Contact Us
If you are struggling with chronic pain, contact Resilient Performance Physical Therapy today. We have locations in Flatiron, Rye, Boonton, Chatham, Wharton, and Darien.
