CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

Chronic pain is typically a pain that lasts longer than the usual time it takes for normal tissue healing (normal tissue healing generally takes somewhere between 6-12 weeks).  Pain is usually considered chronic in nature if it lasts at least 3 months or longer. Chronic pain can last months, years or even decades.

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Neuropathic pain is a different term for chronic pain that is frequently used. When the neurological system is malfunctioning, pain signals are sent to the brain even when there may not be any tissue damage.

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Chronic pain in contrast to nociceptive pain. Nociceptive pain is when physical tissue damage has occurred. It is named such because of nociceptors (nerves) in the body made specifically for detecting physical or mechanical damage to skin, bones, muscles and organs. Examples of nociceptive pain include pain induced by a bruise, fracture, cut/laceration or blow to the body. This type of pain can also be caused by extreme heat/cold or chemical burns.

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Although it's not always the case, chronic pain usually develops following an injury or medical condition. Sometimes it can appear out of nowhere. All aspects of your lifestyle can be affected, ranging from extremely mild to severe. If left untreated and without a strong support network of medical specialists to help you through your rehabilitation, chronic pain can have serious negative impacts on your mental health.