Chronic Pain Syndrome

Overview of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Chronic Pain Syndrome Meaning in Urdu

چوٹ یا سرجری کے بعد لاحق ہونے والی تکلیف یا درد کچھ دیر یا دنوں بعد ختم ہو جاتا ہے۔ لیکن اس بیماری کی وجہ سے مہینوں تک تکلیف کا سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے۔ ایک عام اندازے کے مطابق یہ درد تین سے چھ مہینوں تک جسم کو متاثر کر سکتا ہے۔ اس بیماری کی بنیادی علامات میں جوڑوں کا درد، پٹھوں کا درد، جلن کے ساتھ لاحق ہونے والا درد، تھکاوٹ، اور ڈپریشن وغیرہ شامل ہیں۔ اس کے علاوہ اس درد کے شکار افراد کو حرکت کرنے کے دوران بھی مشکلات کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے۔

Chronic pain is long-term pain that lasts for more than six months. Pain is the normal body’s reaction against the underlying causes i.e. infection, trauma, wear and tear, abnormal cell growth, and inflammation. Chronic pain accompanied by other symptoms such as anxiety and depression leads to a medical condition called, ‘Chronic pain syndrome’ (CPS). Pain signals continue to remain active in chronic pain syndrome for months or even years.   

Although chronic Pain is demoralizing and affects the quality of everyday functions, it can be treatable in a variety of ways.  

Occurrence

About 25% of people with chronic pain have a chance to develop chronic pain syndrome. It usually affects old aged people i.e. above 65 years. CPS affects 10% of adults and 8% of young people. CPS is treatable, do not consider it an age factor!

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Pain Syndrome

CPS affects both physically and mentally, equally to both genders. Symptoms include:

  • Malaise
  • Irritability
  • Poor sleep
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Guilt
  • Uninterested in sex
  • Use of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Start depending on drugs

Types of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Causes of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Chronic pain usually starts after an injury, painful medical conditions, or surgery that sometimes lead to chronic pain syndrome. At times, chronic pain occurs without any history of surgery or injury. The major medical conditions responsible for causing CPS include;

According to a study, CPS has a link with a learned response in humans. As when a body feels pain, it starts to feel the same pain repeatedly even when it’s gone.

Distraction is good for CPS! Keep yourself distracted from pain by engaging in other healthy activities like reading a book, solving a puzzle, and having a healthy conversation with a friend.

How is Chronic Pain Different from Acute Pain?

Acute pain is short-term pain that doesn't last for more than six months. It starts specifically with some medical condition and goes away with the cause or when the injury heals. If the pain becomes persistent for a long time it leads to chronic pain syndrome.

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Risk Factors of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Risk factors for chronic pain syndrome include;

  • Depression
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Female sex
  • Chronic pain history
  • Pregnancy
  • Above 45 years old people

Is there any specific food that can trigger chronic pain?

Yes! Some food like cheese, red wine, alcohol, etc. can prompt migraines. You should be very diligent while selecting food in CPS. Use those foods that lower symptoms of chronic pain like bowel inflammation make sure to take enough dietary fiber.

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Prevention

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome involves;

  • Medical history: Your physician will ask about your medical history including previous injuries, trauma, illness, and surgery.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging: In an MRI scan, magnetic and radio waves are used to take pictures of body organs and structures.
  • X-rays:  take images of body structures.
  • CT scan (computed tomography): The CT Scan is a more powerful X-ray procedure for a detailed inside picture of your body.

Treatment of Chronic Pain Syndrome | When to Consult a Doctor

Treatment of chronic pain syndrome includes:

  1. Medicines

Your physician may prescribe you some pain-relieving medicines e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium. Topical ointments, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs are also prescribed. If the pain becomes persistent for a longer time, opioids may be prescribed but they are addictive, so not recommended for longer use.

Disclaimer! Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine, even normal painkillers.

  1. Alternative Techniques

Alternative techniques include; acupuncture, acupressure, stress management, talk therapy, electrical stimulation, and physical exercises.

  • Acupuncture: This is a Chinese-originated technique that involves the use of needles inserted at different points of the body. Acupuncture is widely used in Pakistan with a different approach.
  • Acupressure: In this technique, pressure is applied at various body points without using needles.
  • Stress Management: It is a learned process to control physical response towards pain.
  • Electrical Stimulation: The electric pulses are given to the nerves for a short time period to relieve pain. A ‘TENS machine is used in which a pad delivers electric signals through the skin to block pain receptors.
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy: It is a type of talk therapy in which a chronic pain victim is taught how to cope with anxiety, depression, and common everyday problems.
  • Physical Therapy: Different exercises including yoga are used to reduce chronic pain. Physical exercises lessen the need for medicines, and pain and improve mood. 

When to consult a doctor?

If the pain becomes persistent for a longer time, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.