Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than 3-6 months. Chronic pain can interfere with daily activities, and it can lead to anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances, which in turn can make pain worse. This cycle of pain can be difficult to break. Chronic pain should not be confused with acute pain, which happens due to an injury or illness and goes away after the body heals from the cause of the pain.
Chronic pain syndrome consists of near constant pain along with flare-ups of higher intensity pain due to increases in activity or stress. Symptoms of chronic pain syndrome can include fatigue, sleep disturbance, burning pain, muscle and/or joint pain, mood problems and loss of physical stamina and flexibility.
Causes of chronic pain are often conditions that cause long-lasting and/or widespread pain, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, back pain, trauma from surgery or a prior injury or illness, and advanced cancer.
Chronic pain syndrome is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it is diagnosed when all other causes of pain have been ruled out. The healthcare provider may do a physical examination, have the patient describe their pain, and order tests to look for the cause of the pain. These tests can include imaging tests, bloodwork, urine tests, reflex and balance tests, spinal fluid tests, electromyography (a muscle response test), and nerve conduction studies (a nerve response test).
Medical treatments for chronic pain syndrome can include physical therapy, medications to relieve the pain, nerve blocks to interrupt pain signals, epidural steroid injections, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and psychological therapy. Alternative therapies include yoga, acupuncture, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, mindfulness training, music/art/pet therapy, Reiki and other forms of energy work, and touch techniques like massage.
Bio-Touch is a powerful touch technique that has been shown to decrease pain and stress. It can be used along with any other medical or alternative treatments. It is easy to learn, and everyone is effective the first time they practice.
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Medical advice is neither offered nor implied. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
