Chronic Painful Conditions
Those suffering from persistent pain that lasts for several months or longer may have chronic pain. Some cases can be traced to a particular injury that has long since healed, including serious infections or previous surgery. Dr. Carney treats chronic pain as a condition of its own, which addresses the patient’s physical and psychological health.
Chronic Pain Syndrome
When pain lasts for 3 months or longer, it is considered to be chronic pain. Hurting day in and day out takes a toll on your emotional and physical health.
Chronic pain syndrome, or CPS, often begins with one of the following:
Arthritis and other joint problems
Back pain
Pain lasting after surgical procedures
Muscle sprains and strains
Nerve damage
Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Cancer
Lyme disease
CPS affects your physical health, emotions, and overall well being. It can affect people of all ages and sex. People with major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions are more likely to develop CPS.
Arthritis
Arthritis deals with the joints, such as your wrists, knees, hips, or fingers. About 1 in every 5 adults has arthritis, it can happen to just about anyone, and the chances of developing it increase with age.
Arthritis symptoms include:
One or more joints that are swollen or stiff
Joints that appear red or are warm to the touch
Tenderness
Trouble moving
Symptoms of arthritis can be constant or intermittent, ranging from mild to severe, with more severe cases sometimes leading to permanent joint damage.
Cancer pain
Cancer pain takes many forms – it can be dull, achy, sharp, or burning, constant, intermittent, mild, moderate, or severe. If the pain is from the cancer itself, it could be from the cancer growing into/destroying nearby tissue. As the tumor grows, it can press on nerves, bones, or organs. The tumor can also release chemicals that cause pain. Treatment of cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can cause pain, as well.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder in which widespread musculoskeletal pain is accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Symptoms can occur after physical trauma, surgery, infection, or substantial psychological stress, and include:
Widespread pain
A constant dull ache that lasts for at least 3 months, occurring on both sides of the body and below the waist
Fatigue
People suffer from fatigue because their pain disrupts their sleep
Cognitive problems
Pain may impair the ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks
For more information on Chronic Pain Syndrome, schedule your appointment with Dr. Carney today by calling 574-389-7737 or contacting us online.