Acute pain is typically sudden and sharp. It can be very intense and persistent, or mild and temporary. Acute pain lasts less than three months. It acts as a bodily warning that it is in an unsafe environment and its health has been endangered. Although there is a common belief that acute pain is mild and temporary, it is in fact, very complex. Acute pain is caused by something specific, such as an injury like a broken bone, a burn, or a cut. It even includes labor and childbirth pain. Once the affected area has been treated, the pain goes away.

Chronic pain is ongoing or persistent pain that lasts longer than three months, or in some cases, six months. Chronic pain is considered a disease or condition and affects 20 percent of American adults. It is hard to diagnose and can be misdiagnosed if not approached with caution and diligence. Chronic pain is often caused by an underlying issue, something that surgery may not be able to ameliorate. Patients living with chronic pain may undergo a variety of treatments to find one, or a combination of several, that helps reduce their painful symptoms.

Chronic pain is different for each person, and its diagnosis is as unique as the person experiencing it. Many tests can help diagnose chronic pain, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. To diagnose chronic pain, a physician will often perform a physical exam and ask the patient questions about their pain to develop a better understanding of what they are experiencing.

Examples of chronic pain include:

• Headaches
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Nerve pain (neuralgia)
• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Lyme disease
• Broken bones
• Acid reflux or ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Endometriosis
• Post-surgical pain

The treatment for chronic pain is unique to each individual and is dependent upon the following factors:

• The cause of the pain
• The area of the body affected
• The chronicity of the pain (how long it has been present)
• If any underlying conditions are present
• If treatments have failed to provide relief

Based on the aforementioned factors, the treatment for chronic pain may include lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and avoidance of triggers. However, these are usually not enough on their own to provide relief, and certain therapies may be used, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, rehabilitative therapy, and even joint injections.

If you are experiencing chronic pain, come to Specialty Medical Center. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating chronic pain and can help you find relief by addressing the underlying cause of your pain.

To book an appointment for chronic pain treatment at Specialty Medical Center, call our office today. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!