When Should You Visit a Pain Management Specialist?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists, returns, or lasts longer than the normal healing process. It can last for a long time after the injury or illness that caused it is no longer present. Chronic pain can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It has a negative impact on a person's health and ability to perform daily tasks.
What are the causes of chronic pain?
Chronic pain can have a variety of causes. Chronic pain can be divided into four categories, according to the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement.
Neuropathic (nerve-related) pain: This is pain caused by somatosensory system damage or malfunction. The sensory receptors and neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system make up this system (outside of the central nervous system). Sciatica is an example of neuropathic pain (pain in the back, hip, and upper thigh related to the sciatic nerve).
Muscle pain: Muscle problems in the skeleton are a common source of chronic pain. Lower back, hips, legs, and feet, as well as the neck, shoulders, arms, and trunk of the body, can all be affected by myofascial pain. It frequently occurs as a result of an injury or repetitive motion.
Inflammatory pain: Inflammatory agents stimulate the main sensory nerves in the spine, which send signals of pain to the brain. Arthritis, tissue injury, and infection are all possible causes. It may also be related to post-surgery complications. Redness, and swelling at the site of the pain are all possible symptoms.
Mechanical/compressive pain: Mechanical pressure or stretching stimulates pain-sensitive nerve cells. Fractures, disc degeneration, or tissue compression caused by cysts, tumors, or bony structures are all possible causes.
The effects of pain on the body
Pain is a multifaceted defense mechanism. It's a necessary part of evolution that protects the body from harm and danger.
Pain receptors are attached to two types of nerves that detect danger in the body. One type of nerve transmits information quickly, resulting in a sharp, sudden pain. The other sends messages slowly, resulting in a throbbing, dull pain.
There are more pain receptors in some parts of the body than in others. Because the skin has so many receptors, it's simple to pinpoint the exact location and type of pain. Because the gut has fewer receptors than the rest of the body, pinpointing the exact location of a stomach ache is more difficult.
When pain receptors are set off by touching something risky (such as something hot or sharp), the spinal cord sends signals to the thalamus, which then sends signals to the brain.
The spinal cord occasionally sends an immediate signal to the muscles, causing them to contract. This pushes the affected body part away from the threat or damage source.
This is a protective reflex that prevents further harm. It occurs prior to the onset of pain.
Once the ‘alert!' has been given, When the message hits the thalamus, it sorts the information sent by the nerves based on your prior experience, values, desires, history, and social norms. This explains why people respond to pain in such disparate ways.
The knowledge is then sent to other parts of the brain associated with physical response, feeling, and emotion by the thalamus. This is when you can experience pain and think to yourself.
The thalamus is also involved in mood and arousal, which helps to understand why the perception of pain is influenced by your mental state.
Pain management without the use of medications
There are a variety of non-pharmaceutical therapies available to help you relieve the pain. It is also more beneficial to use a variety of medications and interventions rather than just one.
Non-medical alternatives include:
Hot or cold – ice packs can be used as soon as possible after an injury to minimize swelling. Heat packs are more effective at relieving chronic muscle or joint pain.
Physical therapies like stretching, walking, strengthening or aerobic exercises, will help you manage pain, stay mobile, and improve your mood. To stop overdoing it, you will need to gradually increase your workout.
Massage – this is best for soft tissue problems and should be avoided if you have joint pain. While there is some evidence that massage can help with pain management, it is not recommended as a long-term treatment.
Come to Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers if you are looking for back specialist in OKC.
**Disclaimer: This blog post does not establish terms of a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to be taken as a doctor's advice.
