Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for long periods of time and is resistant to medical treatment. There are many causes to chronic pain, but the top three are from illness, injury and nerve damage.

Illness may cause chronic pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes swelling and pain throughout the body. It is one of the hardest diseases to diagnose. A person may suffer for years before Fibromyalgia is properly diagnosed and treated. Arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain. Osteoarthritis affects bones and joints. It can cause stiffness and swelling at your ankles, knees, hips, and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition that causes body wide symptoms. Symptoms include stiffness, pain and swelling of joints, muscle pain and flu-like symptoms. Other illnesses can cause chronic pain such as cancer, shingles, and neuropathy from diabetes are just a few examples.

Chronic pain from injuries is one of the leading causes of visits to the doctor each year. Broken bones and sprained muscles and tendons can cause long suffering for some people. Spinal pain is the most common type of chronic pain that people may seek relief from. Injuries to the spine can cause slipped disks which may require surgery. Athletes can develop chronic pain from the overuse or spraining of muscles. Phantom limb pain is the result of a person having the sensation of pain from a limb being amputated. This pain may last for years and is very hard to treat. Complex regional pain disorder refers to the hyper acute reaction to a minor injury. Many times this type of chronic pain requires psychological therapy in conjunction with pain management.

Nerve damage is one of the hardest forms of chronic pain to treat. Arachoididitis refers to an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the spinal cord. This inflammation causes the nerves in the spine and back to be pinched together. People suffering from this condition complain of a severe burning and tingling sensation. Arachoididitis may result from an accident or injury, infection, or as a complication from back surgery. Sciatica nerve pain affects the main nerve that branches out and runs down both legs. This pain is characterized by weakness or tingling in one or both legs, pain shooting down one or both legs, and a pain in the rear or legs that get worse upon sitting. This condition may be caused by being overweight, pregnancy, or an injury to the lower back.

There are several treatment options for chronic pain. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can be effective options. Implanted pain management devices or portable devices that administer a weak electrical current can be effective for severe chronic pain. Alternative methods may include massage therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture.

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