Understanding pain: Types of chronic pain

Chronic pain has always been a mystery in medicine. As much as we have advanced in the field, there are still some causes that healthcare practitioners have difficulty understanding. This simply shows that there is much work to be done when it comes to knowing all there is to know about pain. As for regular people, chronic pain is a health concern that is rarely talked about. To shed some light on the situation, here are two types of chronic pain and their causes.

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Nociceptive pain is a type of chronic pain that is caused by a damaged body tissue. This pain is commonly described as sharp, aching, or a throbbing pain. One of the most common causes of nociceptive pain is a benign pathology. Another cause is the growth of tumors or cancer cells which crowd the body and push other internal organs away from their original place. It can also be caused by the spread of cancer to the bones, joints, or muscles, which then causes blockages.

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain caused by actual nerve damage. Nerves are spread throughout the body and connect to the spinal column and our brain. Neuropathic pain is often described as a burning or heavy sensation or a form of numbness around the affected area. This pain can be caused by a nutritional imbalance, alcoholism, toxins, infections, and auto-immune diseases. Cancer can also trigger neuropathic pain.

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The most common area that experiences chronic pain is the back. This is due to several illnesses, as well as injuries. These illnesses include degenerative disc disease, epidural fibrosis, failed back surgery syndrome, arachnoiditis, lumbar disc herniation, and osteoporosis.

Dr. Karl Jawhari has been published in Dallas newspapers and appeared on CBS and local channel television shows to discuss innovative solutions to chronic pain and their reviews. Read more on this Facebook page.

Potential reasons why leg pain occurs

Discomfort or pain felt in the leg can range anywhere from a dull ache to a stabbing sensation that simply won’t go away.  It can be the result of a minor injury or trauma, overexertion, or an underlying illness.  Here are some common causes of leg pain.

Injury

Muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers tear due to overstretching.  Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, which are the thick cords joining the muscles to bone.  Shin splits lead to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), while knee bursitis takes place when the bursa or fluid-filled sacs that surround the knee joint become inflamed.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

The limbs, usually the legs, are deprived of blood, typically after the arteries have narrowed.  The legs experience weakness, numbness, or cramping when one walks. They might also feel cold and emit an odd color.  PAD can be addressed through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, medication, or surgery.

Deep vein thrombosis

It’s a blood clot in a vein, typically in the thigh or lower leg. While symptoms don’t always manifest, there can be pain or swelling in the leg, and the affected part might be red and warm.  Beware and seek medical attention right away because it can lead to a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.

Common medical conditions

Leg pain can be caused by benign tumors or cancer, gout (arthritis that relates to excess uric acid), growing pains, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, osteomyelitis (a bone infection), patellar tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy, stress fractures, and varicose veins, to name a few.

Leg pain from cramps or a minor injury can usually be treated at home with remedies such as rest, elevating the leg, wearing compression socks, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.  On the other hand, it’s best to see a doctor if there’s swelling in both legs, pain while walking, and leg pain that persists beyond a couple of days. 

Dr. Karl Jawhari has been published in Dallas newspapers and appeared on CBS and local channel television shows to discuss new and innovative solutions to chronic pain. Read more on this site.

When Is Pain Considered Chronic?

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Pain can vary in degree, and the amount of time one feels the sensation. It can be personal and subjective to one’s experience. It can also be an indicator of a greater injury or medical condition. But how does one differentiate acute pain from chronic pain?

Acute pain can be caused by injured or diseased muscle tissues and subsides as the damaged tissue heals. Its purpose is to be an indicator of injury or an underlying cause of the pain. Chronic pain, however, may not have the same straightforward cause as it varies widely.

Chronic pain can be described as a persistent pain that can last for more than three months. And while some cases have direct causes such as injuries or ongoing illness, there are cases where there is no clear cause to the pain. Chronic pain may also be accompanied by other health problems such as loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and even mood changes.

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Chronic pain can be experienced even without signs found in acute pain like tissue damage or injury. So, having chronic pain without an apparent or obvious cause is possible and should be treated.

Lastly, chronic pain commonly leads to disuse syndrome. Disuse syndrome is the long-term lack of physical activity. It can impact a patient’s musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological processes negatively. It can also eventually lead to a debilitating lack of wellness.

Dr. Karl Jawhari Reviews is a national speaker for the Health Awareness Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness. He also shares his knowledge and the results of his reviews and research to empower local communities. To read more on chronic pain, visit this blog.