Chronic pain: find out the main causes

Generally speaking, people know that chronic pain is pain that does not clear up as quickly as it should and that lingers far longer than it should, even after the problem has been remedied. Knowing why it happens and what to do to try and keep the problem from being so bad is one way to prevent it from happening.

Have you ever had or know someone who suffers from chronic pain? Continue reading with us to learn more about the subject!

What is chronic pain?

Have you been diagnosed with a problem, did you undergo treatment correctly and even after completing it, do you still feel pain? Know that this can be chronic pain. Normally, many people end up confusing it with chronic diseases, although, in fact, each one has its own specification.

While chronic diseases are related to problems that have a gradual onset, with an uncertain duration and that take longer to resolve (remembering that most of them have no cure), chronic pain is focused on the sensation caused.

In some cases, it may be related to chronic diseases, in cases of cancer, arthritis and/or diabetes, for example. Furthermore, it is a pain that, even after completing the treatment, continues for a few more months and can appear in various parts of the body.

In other words, when the patient has chronic pain, a simple touch to the skin can cause pain. This is because muscle tissue becomes sensitive to contact, causing the body to receive this uncomfortable sensation.

What are the main causes?

As we explained throughout this article, chronic pain can be associated with chronic diseases, since even after treatment and resolution of the problem, some people end up developing memories of pain. On the other hand, many other causes may be linked.

In some cases, chronic pain can develop from postural problems, whether from spending a lot of time in front of the computer, sitting incorrectly, or even in cases of pregnant women, as they spend a lot of time in the same position.

In addition, primary diseases can also trigger chronic pain, that is, any disease that is not related to another disease, such as, for example, neuropathic (when the nervous system is injured), fibromyalgia (muscle pain and weakness) and chronic headache (generalized anxiety disorder).

An important point: in some cases, chronic pain may not be related to a health problem or without having suffered some type of injury . In these cases, the causes are still uncertain.

Does chronic pain have symptoms?

In addition to the uncomfortable sensation itself, which in itself is a symptom, as it ends up limiting people’s abilities and physical conditions throughout the day, chronic pain has some other signs.

The first symptom is anxiety disorder, after all, living in pain all day can bring some sensations, such as anguish, restlessness and fear. In some cases, when not treated correctly, it can trigger depression.

Furthermore, it is possible for some people to develop symptoms of a vegetative state, such as tiredness, lack of sleep , little appetite at meals, decreased libido, muscle and joint pain and much more. At first, it can be mistaken for other problems, and it is essential to seek medical help to understand the cause.

In social life, chronic pain is an obstacle to spending time with friends and family. In another aspect, it may occur to create dependence on people, whether in cleaning the house, going to the grocery store, or any other simple day-to-day task. In the working environment, it distracts one in his concentration, affecting deliveries.

Is there treatment for chronic pain?

The first step is to see a general practitioner to understand whether what you are experiencing is chronic pain or some other health problem. It is worth remembering that all monitoring is carried out in detail, aiming for the correct diagnosis.

Once identified, it will be necessary to undergo medical follow-up with a rheumatologist or orthopedist. When seeing one of these specialists, the treatment of chronic pain may include the use of some analgesics, as they are indicated to alleviate any type of pain discomfort resulting from an injury, surgery or chronic illness.

In other cases, it may be necessary to undergo physiotherapy, precisely so that the patient understands how to control their own pain, aiming for quality of life . Behavioral therapy is also a second method that is highly recommended, as it helps to improve the way the person deals with the problem, reducing symptoms and bringing more energy to the routine .

Therefore, before seeking treatment, it is important to seek out a professional who understands the subject, okay? No self-diagnosis!

How can regular physical activity help?

Regular physical activity is important at all times in life, so it is highly desirable in people suffering from chronic pain. Ordinarily, people with this condition tend to avoid training out of fear that the pain will worsen, although in fact, it is the opposite.

Furthermore, with the guidance of a physical education professional , it is possible to create a training plan, based on the chosen modality, to prevent persistent pain. Therefore, opt for aerobic exercises and/or resistance training, such as weight training.