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May 22, 2013
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Chronic Pain (cont.)

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Types of Chronic Pain

General Somatic Pain (pain from the outer body)

  • Pains from the skin and muscles are easily localized by the brain because these pains are common. People have experienced general somatic pain since childhood when the person has fallen or been hit by a person or an object. Normally, somatic pain resolves in a few days.
  • Some people develop pain that never goes away. Fibromyalgia and chronic back pain can be in this category.
  • General somatic pain is often treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn) or with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Sometimes, opioids, such as morphine, may be needed.

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Chronic Pain - Management

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Chronic Pain Syndrome »

Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is a common problem that presents a major challenge to healthcare providers because of its complex natural history, unclear etiology, and poor response to therapy.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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