What is chronic pain?
Almost everyone experiences aches and pains from time-to-time. However, if your pain lasts for 12 weeks or longer, it’s considered chronic. Chronic pain affects everyone differently, but it can last for months or even years.
Additionally, chronic pain can occur anywhere throughout your body. For some people, chronic pain is dull and throbbing; for others, it’s sharp and stabbing.
At Athens Spine Center, the team regularly diagnoses and treats chronic pain caused by:
- Headaches
- Failed surgery
- Trauma
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Nerve damage
No matter the type of chronic pain you experience, it’s important to seek medical help. There are a variety of treatments that can limit inflammation and discomfort while improving your overall quality of life.
Who is at risk of experiencing chronic pain?
Chronic pain affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but it’s especially common in older adults. Other factors that increase your risk of chronic pain include:
- Being female
- Suffering a work or sports-related injury
- Being in an automobile accident
- Having surgery
You’re also more likely to suffer from chronic pain if you’re overweight or obese.
How is chronic pain diagnosed?
To diagnose chronic pain, your Athens Spine Center provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you questions about your symptoms. Next, you stand up, sit down, and walk around the exam room so your doctor can observe your gait and posture. If a preliminary exam doesn’t provide enough information about the source of your discomfort, your doctor might also order laboratory tests, X-rays, or an MRI. Usually, these measures are enough to make a proper diagnosis.
How is chronic pain treated?
Treatment for chronic pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the pain you experience. Usually, the team at Athens Spine Center recommends conservative, minimally invasive treatments. Depending on your situation, they might suggest:
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Cortisone shots
- Epidural injections
- Joint injections
- Spinal injections
- Facet blocks
- Medial branch blocks
- Dorsal root ganglion therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Stem cell therapy
- Bone marrow transplants
If these measures don’t provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. The team regularly performs balloon kyphoplasty and other related procedures.
To learn more about the various treatments for chronic pain, request a consultation at Athens Spine Center by calling the office at (706) 425-2400 today.