Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is pain that persists for a period of six months or longer, and is the result of a long-standing medical condition(s) or damage to the body. Common sources of chronic pain include
There are several types of pain including
- general somatic pain,
- visceral pain,
- bone pain,
- muscle cramps,
- neuropathy,
- circulatory problems, and
- headache pain.
Chronic pain may be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an illness with no known cause. Symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, fibrofog (mental haziness), insomnia, headaches, nervousness, numbness, dizziness, and intestinal disturbances. Treatment may involve acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, antidepressants, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella, Flexeril, and Mirapex. -
Insomnia
Insomnia affects most people at some point in their lifetime. Insomnia is actually a symptom of a condition, disease, or situation. Non-medical treatment of insomnia includes: sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. There are many medications that can be prescribed to a person with insomnia. -
Leg Pain
There are a variety of causes of leg pain. Some of the common causes include fractures, strains, sprains, bleeding, diseases such as gout, peripheral artery disease, and cancer. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, sciatica, neuropathy, joint pain, muscle injury, and skin abnormalities. Treatment of leg pain depends on the cause. -
Menstrual Pain
Menstrual cramps are either classified as primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual cramps caused by another medical condition or disease, for example: Endometriosis IUDs (intrauterine devices) Narrow cervix Infections Stress Treatments to ease and get rid of menstrual cramps include natural and home remedies; OTC pain medications, and birth control pills. -
Pain After Surgery
Though pain after surgery is common, there are ways to minimize and manage this pain. Along with pain medication, patients should stop cigarette smoking and be diligent about managing other existing medical conditions. Careful care of the surgical incision sites should also help prevent infections to the wounds, which prolong pain and are dangerous to the patient. -
Pain Medications
The effects of pain medication are different for each person. Pain also varies in tolerance as well from person to person. There are several different pain medications such as NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and narcotics. The most commonly prescribed narcotics are morphine (MS Contin, Avinza, Kadain, Oramorph), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, M-oxy, ETH-Oxydose, Oxyfast, OxylR), fentanyl (Duragesic, Fentanyl Patch), oxymorphone (Opana), and methadone (Methadose) Narcotic pain medications can lead to physical addiction. Symptoms of physical addiction to narcotics include flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone aches, feeling like you are "crawling out of your skin," goose bumps, chills, tremor, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are all medical concerns and should be treated medically.
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Expert Views and News
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- FDA Panel OKs Stronger Opioid Despite Concerns
- FDA Expands Strategy for Safer Opioid Prescribing
- Cannabis for Nerve Pain: Mechanism Revealed
- Understanding High Impact Chronic Pain in the U.S.
- Cancer Patient Difficulty in Getting Opioids
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- Pain Rehab Program 'Profound' Treatment Shift
- Docs Underestimate Their Opioid Prescriptions
- OTC Painkillers Offer Similar Relief as Opioids
- Opioid Prescribing Is Still High and Varies Widely
- Ketamine May Treat Migraine, Chronic Pain
- Vivitrol Cuts Relapse Risk in Opioid Addicts
- Obama Seeks to Expand Opioid Addiction Treatment
- CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioid Painkillers
- Chronic Pain Linked to ADHD
- This Many Million Adults Say They're in Pain Daily
- FDA Strengthens Warning on NSAIDs and Heart Risk
- A Virtual Refuge From Real Pain
- FDA Approves Injectable Device for Back, Leg Pain
- FDA-Approved Painkiller Zohydro Concerns Critics
- Extended-Release Single-Entity Hydrocodone Product
- FDA Approves Abuse-Deterrent Label for OxyContin
- Acupuncture Pain Relief Is Real, Researchers Say
- Chronic Abuse of Prescription Drugs Skyrocketing
- Does Obesity Cause Pain?
- Exercise, Talk Therapy by Phone May Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain
- Women's Sleep Problems Linked to Fibromyalgia Risk
- 40 U.S. Deaths a Day from Prescription Painkillers
- Chronic Pain Therapy
- Chronic Pain of Fibromyalgia Takes Toll on Everyday Life
- Meditation May Reduce Pain
- Therapy, Exercise Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- NSAID Pain Relievers Raise Heart Risks
Chronic Pain Topic Guide - Visuals
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Chronic Pain Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
PregabalinPregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also aff...learn more »
DuloxetineDuloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSNRI).
learn more »
Acetaminophen And TramadolTramadol is an pain medicine similar to an opioid (sometimes called, a narcotic). Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of...learn more »
TramadolTramadol is an pain medicine similar to an opioid (sometimes called, a narcotic).
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Acetaminophen And OxycodoneOxycodone is an opioid pain medication, sometimes called a narcotic. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of oxycodone./...learn more »
Sumatriptan (injection)Sumatriptan is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels around the brain. Sumatriptan also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pai...learn more »
Sumatriptan (oral/nasal)Sumatriptan is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels around the brain. Sumatriptan also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pai...learn more »
Fentanyl Citrate (oral Transmucosal)Fentanyl citrate is an opioid pain medicine used to treat "breakthrough" cancer pain that is not controlled by other medicines. This medicine is not for ...
learn more »
Fentanyl Transdermal (skin Patch)Fentanyl is an opioid pain medicine that is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain around the clock. Fentanyl transdermal is not for treating mild...
learn more »
Aspirin (oral)Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation...learn more »
Carbamazepine (oral)Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain...learn more »
Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »
IbuprofenIbuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »
Chronic Pain Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Knee Injury
Knee injuries may be caused by a direct blow to the knee or by twisting or stretching of the ligaments, tendons, and surrounding muscles. Knee pain and swelling...learn more »
Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain)
Trigeminal neuralgia causes facial pain. It is a disorder arising from the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensory information from the face. The pain often lea...learn more »
Neck Strain
The portion of the spine contained within the neck is referred to as the cervical spine. That's the site for injuries known as neck strain. Symptoms include pai...learn more »
