What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that doesn’t go away after 6 months. It can keep you from doing your normal activities or be “just” very aggravating. 

How does it happen?

Any injury or illness that causes pain can also cause chronic pain. It can happen when an injury permanently damages your body. It could also be an abnormal nervous system response to injury (for example, “phantom pain,” which is pain that feels like it is coming from a body part that has been amputated). Chronic pain continues even after the illness is over or the injury has healed.

How do I know if I have it?

Your doctor will examine you. You may have to fill out a pain diary that describes your pain. You may also need to have tests or to see other doctors.

How is it treated?

The goals of treatment are to improve your quality of life and decrease the pain. The pain is usually treated with medicines (for example, pain killers or antidepressants) and therapy (for example, physical or occupational therapy or counseling). Physical therapy and exercise can make your muscles stronger and reduce pain. Occupational therapy teaches you how to pace yourself and cope with daily tasks.

Treatment could include exercise, weight loss, living healthier (for example, drinking less alcohol or quitting smoking), and getting regular sleep. Your treatment may not stop the pain, but it should help you to enjoy life more. 

What medicines are used to treat it?

Many different medicines are used to treat chronic pain. There are some you can buy over the counter, such as acetaminophen (one brand:  Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (one brand:  Motrin). Make sure you talk to your doctor before you start to take any of these, as some may not be indicated depending on your other multiple medical problems or medications. Other medicines require prescriptions, such as opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and lidocaine (one brand:  Xylocaine). 

Which medicine your doctor picks depends on what illness or injury caused the pain. Musculoskeletal pain, such as arthritis, can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines (if you have no contraindications to those) or opioids. Nerve-related pain, such as fibromyalgia, can be treated with anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or lidocaine. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of the medications. For example, narcotics can make one nauseated, constipated, and affect one’s balance. 

Where can I get more information?

Dr. Peterson is a doctor of Family and Community Medicine at the Walter L. Aument Family Health Center, 317 S. Chestnut St., Quarryville.