Chronic pain is a classification of pain used to describe a type of constant pain that affects the quality of life of the person who develops it. People often experience chronic headaches or chronic back pain, but this condition goes far beyond just that.
What is pain
The uncomfortable and unpleasant sensation that occurs when the body detects real or potential damage to its tissues is called pain; it serves as a signal from the body to alert the brain that something is not right.
Depending on its type and duration, pain falls into one of two classifications.
- Chronic pain: a type of persistent pain lasting more than three months and that may continue for several months or even years.
- Acute pain: the most common type of pain; it appears suddenly and is usually due to an injury, trauma, or illness. Once the underlying cause has been corrected, the pain usually disappears.
In general, pain is a complex phenomenon that involves physical and emotional components, in which the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, plays a crucial role.
Physically, when nerve receptors detect some type of damage, they send warning signals to the brain, which is when pain is perceived. However, this perception is influenced by multiple factors, such as psychological, emotional, and social factors, and even life experiences; therefore, some people may have a high pain threshold while others have a low one.
Chronic pain, unlike acute pain, which has a protective or warning function, often has no useful purpose and can become a condition in itself.
There are multiple causes that can trigger it; sometimes there is a clear cause, such as an accident, while in other cases it may arise from causes that are not easily apparent.
Pain classification
Although not all pain carries the risk of becoming chronic pain, the reality is that any pain, combined with multiple other factors, could potentially develop into it.
Pain can be divided according to its origin:
- Nociceptive pain: occurs when pain receptors are activated by tissue damage, and this signal is transmitted through pain pathways to the brain.
- Neuropathic pain: in this case, the nerves themselves are damaged or malfunctioning; the pain sensation may be perceived as burning, stabbing, or like an electric shock.
- Psychogenic pain: in this category, there is considered to be no physical cause (tissue or nerve damage) producing the pain, and its origin is psychological; although there is no physical cause, this type of pain is equally important to treat.
Beyond its origin, pain classification is also related to its location. Localized pain is felt in a specific area of the body, while generalized pain affects multiple areas or the entire body.
What to take for body pain
When facing acute or chronic pain, the question “what should I take for body pain?” often arises. However, before taking any medication, it is important to consult a medical specialist, either the physician treating the underlying condition or a pain management specialist (algologist), who is trained in pain management.
This is because chronic pain, by its very nature, becomes a challenge to manage.
There are various treatment approaches for chronic pain:
- Medications: these range from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to painkillers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or muscle relaxants. It is important not to take pain medications without prior medical consultation, as in many cases they may have no effect, worsen the condition, or cause other side effects.
- Physical rehabilitation: options include physical therapy, massage, and manual therapies.
- Psychological therapy: depending on the origin of the pain, cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, or other therapies may be required to improve emotional well-being.
- Lifestyle changes: pain management specialists may also recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene.
Due to the multiple origins of chronic pain, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, it is important that if you experience any type of pain lasting more than three months, regardless of whether the cause is clear or unknown, you seek medical attention.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, MSD Manuals, Cigna
