What Are the Most Common Types of Chronic Pain?

October 7, 2024

Chronic pain is more common than you think, and it can take a serious toll on your life. But understanding what’s causing your pain is a great first step to take toward finding relief.

Our East Tennesee pain specialists explain the different types of chronic pain, what might be behind them, and how pain management can help when it becomes too much.


What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is any pain that lasts for more than three months. Unlike acute pain, which is your body’s way of signaling an injury or illness, chronic pain persists even after the initial issue is treated or healed.


7 Common Types of Chronic Pain

Understanding chronic pain matters because it’s different for everyone. Even if two people have the same condition, their experience can be completely unique. Here are the most common types of chronic pain.

  1. Back Pain

    2. About a third of people with ongoing back pain experience dull aches, sharp pain, stiffness, or pain radiating down their legs. 

    Back pain often stems from muscle strains or herniated discs, which can be caused by anything from poor posture and heavy lifting to a sedentary lifestyle. Degenerative diseases like arthritis are another common culprit.


  2. Neck Pain

    3. Injuries, degenerative conditions, or poor posture can also cause neck pain. Other common causes include whiplash from accidents, spending too much time in front of screens, or muscle strain, all of which can produce stiffness, headaches, or tingling in the arms.


  3. Joint Pain

    4. Joint pain is often tied to arthritis or aging and can make moving extremely painful. Injuries and inflammatory conditions that cause swelling and tenderness are routine offenders.


  4. Neuropathic Pain

    5. Neuropathic pain is typically the result of nerve damage and can feel like burning numbness or sharp shocks. Diabetes, infections, and medication side effects are all common triggers.


  5. Cancer Pain

    6. Pain from cancer or its treatments tends to range from mild to severe. It might feel constant or come and go, and it often worsens with movement. Tumors and treatment side effects are the most common causes of this type of pain.


  6. Post-Surgery Pain

    7. Some people have lingering pain after surgery due to nerve damage or scar tissue; this pain may occur at the surgical site or nearby areas. Post-surgical discomfort usually ties back to complications or inflammation.


  7. Chronic Headaches

    8. Migraines and chronic headaches can disrupt your day-to-day with symptoms like throbbing pain, nausea, or light sensitivity. Stress, hormones, or certain foods are among the most likely triggers.


What Do You Do When Your Chronic Pain is Unbearable?

When chronic pain becomes too much to handle, the best thing you can do is seek professional help. Pain management clinics like Grace Point Pain Management focus on treating chronic pain with personalized care. Standard treatment options at pain management clinics include, but aren’t limited to:

Medications

  • Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with mild to moderate pain.  
  • Prescription Medications: For more severe pain, stronger options like muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or opioids might be prescribed under careful supervision. 
  • Topical Treatments: Creams or patches with pain-relieving ingredients can be applied directly to the area. 

Physical Therapy

  • Customized Exercise Programs: If you’re referred to a physical therapist, you’ll likely receive an exercise program that focuses on strengthening your muscles, improving your flexibility, and minimizing pain. 
  • Mobility Techniques: Physical therapists will usually teach you proper posture and techniques to help prevent further injury and manage your pain.

Alternative Therapies

  • Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): EWST is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to reduce pain and improve healing.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP treatment promotes tissue repair using your body’s natural healing properties. 

Interventional Procedures

  • Nerve Blocks: Injections that block pain signals from specific nerves.
  • Steroid Injections: Injections that reduce inflammation and pain in targeted areas.

Counseling and Support

  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand can provide emotional relief and practical advice. 
  • Stress Management Techniques: Relaxation exercises and lifestyle changes can help reduce pain triggers caused by stress.  

Pain management specialists understand how to treat both the physical and emotional sides of chronic pain. They can help find the root cause of your condition and create a tailored plan for you. 


Need Chronic Pain Relief? Contact Our Specialists Today!

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Grace Point Pain Management, we offer compassionate, expert care designed around your needs. Let us help you find relief by calling 865-503-6865 to get started today!

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