3 Health Conditions That Can Trigger Persistent Pain
Almost everyone has experienced some type of pain due to a cut, sports injury, or surgery. Fortunately, these types of pain tend to have a cause and can be quickly treated. It is much different for people with persistent or chronic pain which can last for years, preventing people from living their lives fully. This pain can also impact the sufferer’s physical and mental health. Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 US adults, reiterating its prevalence. Several medical conditions cause this type of pain, including the following.
- Chronic Migraines
Chronic migraine is a neurological condition that causes severe head pain, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, smells, and noises. It is usually accompanied by a severe pounding or throbbing sensation and can get so bad that it can immobilize, disrupt your social life, and affect your body.
Most people learn to live with migraines, as there are no quick cures. They use preventive and acute medication methods to prevent attacks. The best way to see an improvement in this condition is by working with your healthcare provider or receiving specialist care from a neurologist. Making lifestyle changes and adopting some holistic practices like acupuncture are also alternative ways you can manage the pain better, so you can try them out to achieve the best results.
Chronic pain doesn’t’ go away by itself, and living with the condition isn’t easy. Instead, you can learn to manage it by finding the right treatment strategy that works best for you. It has a lot of serious complications, including developing mental health issues, the inability to perform daily tasks, and a decreased quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis that affects the joints. It is much more common in older people, and its symptoms can cause chronic pain to the affected. Many factors increase your chances of developing this condition in your lifetime. Your weight, genetics, age, and history of injuries are typical examples. Most of the treatment focuses more on learning how to manage the pain and improve your joints. Your healthcare provider might provide pain relievers or other anti-inflammatory medications, so feel free to contact them. Exercise and weight control are also excellent treatment options to help improve the condition, so keep this in mind.
- Cancer
In its early stages, many people do not typically experience cancer-related pain. However, as it advances, cancer can cause moderate to severe pain. Some cancers cause more pain than others, so keep this in mind. Most of the pain that many patients feel is usually caused by tumor growths, which can compress nearby organs and nerves, as well as metastases and tumor secretions. Treatments like chemotherapy also put a lot of pressure on nerves, causing neuropathic pain. If your chronic pain is caused by cancer, ensure that you speak to your team of oncologists for the best pain-relief option.
If you suspect that you have chronic pain or feel its complications are affecting you, ensure that you seek medical help as quickly as possible.