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Unlike acute pain, this condition called ‘Chronic Pain Syndrome’, doesn’t go away after your initial injury or illness has healed. It’s marked by pain that lasts longer than six months and is often accompanied by anger, depression, anxiety, loss of sexual desire, and disability. It is common among: – Those who are depressed – Those who smoke – Those who are obese – Women – Those who are older than 65 years of age
It can affect your ability to function at home and work. You may find it difficult to participate in social activities and hobbies, which could lead to decreased self-esteem. It is also common for people with chronic pain to have: – Sleep disturbances – Fatigue – Trouble concentrating – decreased appetite – Mood changes
The primary symptom of CPS is persistent pain that lasts weeks to years. Other signs and symptoms of chronic pain include the following: – Frowning – Grimacing – Appetite changes – Poor sleep – Fearful expression – Teeth grinding – Fidgeting
Pain areas include: – The back – Joints – Mouth and face – Muscles and bones – Neck Pain can be caused by psychological factors. – Sensory: Pins and needles sensation, or sensitivity to pain – Psychological: Depression or fear – Also common: Anxiety, fatigue, headache, or sleep deprivation
The risk factors for women include: – Arthritis and other joint problems – Back pain – Headaches – Muscle strains and sprains – Repetitive stress injuries: When the same movement is made over and over, it puts a strain on a body part – Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes muscle pain throughout the body – Nerve damage – Lyme Disease
Although more severe acute postoperative pain increases the risk of chronic pain following Breast Cancer surgery, few studies have examined the characteristics of patients who develop greater acute pain. – Laboratory or imaging evaluations are needed to confirm the diagnosis like MRI & CT scan – The nerve block will also help to diagnose & treat the cause – Laboratory tests like ESR, RA factor, Thyroid function test, ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody), Vit- D level & CSF (Cerebro Spinal Fluid)
The most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are: – Widespread pain – Fatigue – Sleep apnea – Restless Leg Syndrome – Cognitive difficulties Symptoms of Chronic Pain Syndrome are: – Joint pain – Muscle aches – Fatigue – Insomnia – Burning pain – Mood swings
Milder forms of pain may be relieved by over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, iBuprofen, and Naproxen.Other treatment options include: – Nerve block – Patient controlled Analgesia – Trigger point injections – Intrathecal drug delivery – Spinal cord stimulation implant – Trans-cutaneous Nerve Electrical Stimulus – Bioelectric therapy
– Behaviour modification, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Acupuncture – Psychotherapy – Biofeedback – Hypnosis – Occupational therapy – Physical therapy – Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, visual imagery, or deep breathing – Medications to help control pain, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids – Nerve blocks – Surgery to treat any underlying conditions
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