What are examples of chronic pain
If you are looking for examples of chronic pain and think you have it then chances are you’re right. Chronic pain can affect anyone and it can come from many different origins. You can skip to the bottom if you want the short version 😉
My name is Ashley and I have been treating clients that suffer from chronic pain since 2010. I hear a lot of different explanations but most describe pain as achy, sharp, “it comes in waves”, or constant dull pain. It keeps people from living out their lives by limiting what they feel is possible. Depending on how it developed, chronic pain can be treated and you can get better but you need to find the right therapist for you.
If you remember generally being okay and over the last few years the pain hasn’t gone away then there is an increased likelihood that something caused this. Something that can be reversed and worked on. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “repetitive stress” or “repetitive movements” and that has caused or has worsened your pain. Has anyone ever told you what that means and what you can do about it?
It means that there is an activity you are doing over and over again. This activity can be obvious like playing the violin or working on a computer. In which case strength training is a great way to start fighting back. Take the movements you are doing every day and start building strength in those areas. For example if you are working on a computer all day you are looking down tightening the front of your neck. Depending on your setup you could be typing in an awkward position for hours and probably never bring your head back and arch your back as a stretch. Well, a focused massage and building strength in the back, upper back and glutes is going to really help you combat those repetitive movements. I highly recommend using a skilled personal trainer, physical therapist, and massage therapist. These people need to have experience in what you are feeling. When you are looking for a personal trainer please be sure to note if they help you with your posture during the work outs and, although they will push you, they will listen to you when you say something hurts. This is how injuries happen! Let me know if you need any recommendations by sending us an email. The massage therapist should also be able to identify the muscles that are tight in other areas of the body. For example the hips or calf muscles.
It really is different for everyone and we all go through that in our own way
If you can’t remember the last time you were able to live your life without taking your pain into consideration or if it’s been over 10 years then that’s chronic pain. This kind of pain occurred when you were younger and it could have involved an injury. Maybe it was originally a sports injury or perhaps bad form in a sport you played as a youth is catching up with you. This means that you have muscle patterns, where your muscles memory starts the movement with little thought necessary. This can look like playing violin in the school band and then continuing into adulthood. The muscles in the neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand have adapted to the movements so it feels second natured. This can cause pain in those areas because they are being worked a lot more than the muscles around them. Holding a muscle in place is still a muscle contraction and can cause tightness. The best way to deal with this is to massage the area that is tight while also strengthening the muscles in a holistic way. Meaning you work the entire body so that everything is equally strong.
The two examples that people think of the most is above but there is one other example left. This one comes from frustration in not knowing why. Autoimmune conditions can cause chronic pain and doctors may not have the answers in regards to pain management. It is frustrating knowing that they are just guessing at treatments and seeing what works for you but that could take a long time with potential side effects. Medications are great for those it works for, for those that it doesn’t it could mean more pain or severe reactions. To avoid that I highly recommend finding an “expert” in your area that does work with minimal risks. This can mean a D.O instead of an M.D or advocating for Physical Therapy and Manual therapy (like massage!).
For example a treatment plan with a massage therapist for someone with fibromyalgia can do wonders. Work is done with minimal side effects and the client can learn a little more about what helps them. I know it’s a lot, that it feels like you’re repeating yourself on a loop, but finding the therapists that care about your recovery make a huge difference. If you have therapists that have helped you send me an email! I would love to collect contact info of incredible therapists so I can refer to people all over the country.
Before I leave I’ll say this,
What are examples of chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that hasn’t gone away in a few weeks. It can come from the nerves or soft tissues and although many say it can not be cured I believe it can get better.
