Although the definition of Chronic Pain is a bit different, it is generally defined as pain that lasts longer than the time required for tissue healing. Chronic pain can be caused by injury, underlying medical conditions, or inflammatory processes. There are instances where no cause is identified. There are numerous estimates of chronic pain and the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey discovered that 14.6 percent of Americans have experienced it at one point or another.
Advanced Musculoskeletal Medicine Consultants, Inc, the most commonly prescribed type of pain medication. However nonpharmacologic treatments, such as exercise, cognitive behavior therapy, or interventional therapies have been shown to be effective in relieving chronic pain. For example, physical therapy is a nonpharmacologic treatment that can ease the pain and improve the function of patients immediately after treatment. Nonpharmacologic treatments may also be useful in treating chronic pain. These include fibromyalgia and depression.
Although there is no evidence that opioid therapy can help manage chronic pain experts believe that it should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient. Although the distinction between acute pain and initial chronic pain is sometimes unclear the guidelines of the CDC are based on an analysis of the available evidence and input from experts in the field. These guidelines also take into consideration the risks of opioids as well as the role of social support and other types of care.
Nonopioid pharmacologic treatments are also effective in decreasing pain, function and other adverse side effects. For instance, acetaminophen and NSAIDs are effective in treating osteoarthritis and lower back pain. Certain anticonvulsants can ease the pain of diabetic neuropathy or post-herpetic neuralgia. In addition to these tricyclic antidepressants and pregabalin provide effective pain relief for those suffering from neuropathic pain.
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