If you have chronic pain, it may be hard to imagine life without anxiety. Constantly being in pain is stressful, and can lead to feelings of fear, helplessness and despair. Feeling bleak about the future of your chronic pain condition? Then keep reading, because there is hope. There are ways to learn to cope with chronic pain.
Learning to Cope
Effective coping strategies can impact your pain. Coping strategies give you a sense of control over your pain, even when it is intense. Anxiety can intensify feelings of pain and disability, so it important to come to terms with your condition. Regaining control of your situation can help lower your stress. Learning to cope with your chronic pain can reduce your anxiety, putting you back in the driver’s seat.
While coping strategies won’t necessarily take your pain away, they can help you get it to a level that you can deal with. At the very least, they help keep your pain from getting worse due to pain anxiety. Some potentially effective coping strategies include acceptance, mindfulness and value-based actions.
Accepting Pain - Accepting Your Diagnosis
You have a chronic pain condition. You may be in pain for a long time. It could last for the rest of your life. How could this not cause anxiety? The bigger question is, can you find a way to live with your chronic pain?
Accepting pain is not easy. It may even feel like giving in. Learning to accept your chronic pain condition may take a long time, especially if you are still in the grieving stage. However, acceptance is the first step in letting your anxieties go. Here are a few ways to get started.
* Keep a pain journal. The written word is powerful. Sometimes writing about how you feel, including your anxieties, gives you a greater sense of control over your pain condition. No matter what goes through your head, write it down and get it out of your system.
* Talk about your pain. When you have chronic pain, one of the worst things you can do is pretend you aren’t in pain. Don’t worry about what other people will think: Be honest about your chronic pain. This includes not only being honest with others, but being honest with yourself.
* Get your grief out. Grieving is a natural part of being diagnosed with chronic pain. Do what you need to do to get it out. Cry. Get angry. Hit a pillow. Feel sad. Once you are done, however, you need to move on. Yes, you have chronic pain. Yes, it stinks. No, it isn’t fair. But getting stuck in the grief stage will not help your pain, and can cause even more anxiety.
Being Mindful of Pain - What Helps and What Hurts?
What times of day do you hurt the most? What activities cause you more pain? How do you feel when you eat certain foods, or sit in certain positions? Does your pain change when you feel sad or stressed?
You can answer most of these questions by reading your pain journal. Now that you have it documented, start looking for patterns. Being mindful of what causes your pain, and what doesn’t, helps put you back in charge.
Taking Value-Based Actions - Make an Action Plan
Being aware of your pain triggers and relievers helps you make better, more informed decisions about your behaviors. These are called value-based actions: You determine what, when and how you do something based on how you think it will affect you.
You know what worsens your pain. You know what makes it better. Use this as a guideline to structure your days, weeks and months. Planning efficiently helps you gain control of your pain condition. Of course, you will still have pain. But hopefully after all of this, your pain anxieties will be under better control.
When you are coping with your pain, everything seems to run more smoothly. However, you may have setbacks along the way. Try not to get discouraged. Remember, it's not like you will be starting at square one: You may just need to remind yourself to get back on track. Repeat the steps as often as needed.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Causes of Chronic Neuropathic Pain - Neuropathic Pain Has Several Key Causes
Neuropathic pain is pain caused by damaged nerves, or nerves that are not functioning as usual. In some cases, the cause of neuropathic pain is not completely understood, though often it can be traced back to disease or to specific types of nerve damage. Neuropathic pain includes pain caused by both central nerves (those in the brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nerves (those that extend out into the body).
Neuropathic Pain Caused by Disease
In some cases, certain diseases and disorders can cause nerve damage. Diabetes, for instance, can damage peripheral nerves. As a result, people with diabetic neuropathy may feel burning, tingling or numbness in their hands and feet. Some other diseases and disorders that can lead to chronic neuropathic pain include:
* Guillain Barre Syndrome
* Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles)
* Degenerative Disk Disease
* Cancer
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Kidney Disorders
* Alcoholism
* HIV
Neuropathic Pain Caused by Nerve Damage
Damage to central or peripheral nerves can also lead to chronic neuropathic pain. This damage may be caused by trauma (such as a broken bone), surgery, exposure to certain toxins or severe swelling. Some examples of chronic neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage include:
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Sciatica
* Post-mastectomy pain (PMPS)
* Postoperative hernia repair pain
* Central Pain Syndrome
Other Types of Neuropathic Pain
Unfortunately, some types of neuropathic pain have an unknown origin, or a cause that is not completely understood. In fact, up to 30 percent of chronic neuropathic pain cases fall into this category. Though the cause may not be fully known, the pain is very real. Some examples of this class of chronic neuropathic include:
* Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (CRPS)
* Phantom limb pain
Neuropathic Pain Caused by Disease
In some cases, certain diseases and disorders can cause nerve damage. Diabetes, for instance, can damage peripheral nerves. As a result, people with diabetic neuropathy may feel burning, tingling or numbness in their hands and feet. Some other diseases and disorders that can lead to chronic neuropathic pain include:
* Guillain Barre Syndrome
* Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles)
* Degenerative Disk Disease
* Cancer
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Kidney Disorders
* Alcoholism
* HIV
Neuropathic Pain Caused by Nerve Damage
Damage to central or peripheral nerves can also lead to chronic neuropathic pain. This damage may be caused by trauma (such as a broken bone), surgery, exposure to certain toxins or severe swelling. Some examples of chronic neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage include:
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Sciatica
* Post-mastectomy pain (PMPS)
* Postoperative hernia repair pain
* Central Pain Syndrome
Other Types of Neuropathic Pain
Unfortunately, some types of neuropathic pain have an unknown origin, or a cause that is not completely understood. In fact, up to 30 percent of chronic neuropathic pain cases fall into this category. Though the cause may not be fully known, the pain is very real. Some examples of this class of chronic neuropathic include:
* Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (CRPS)
* Phantom limb pain
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Chronic Nerve Pain Treatment - Common Approaches to Chronic Nerve Pain Treatment
Treating chronic nerve pain can be a challenge, as the cause is not always understood. Traditional painkillers used alone, such as NSAIDs, are often ineffective at treating this type of pain; however, a multimodal treatment approach can keep nerve pain symptoms under better control. This approach includes both traditional painkillers, nontraditional pain medications and other related pain treatments.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment – Adjuvant Analgesics
Adjuvant analgesics, such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants, can often combat neuropathic pain sensations. Because these medications were designed to treat conditions other than pain, their use in neuropathic pain treatment is termed "off-label" use. But don’t let that worry you: many adjuvant analgesics have proven more effective at treating chronic nerve pain symptoms than traditional painkillers.
Anticonvulsants used for nerve pain treatment:
* Gabapentin (Neurontin)
* Pregabalin (Lyrica)
* Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
* Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
* Phenytoin (Dilantin)
* Valproate (Depacon)
* Lamotrigine (Lamictol)
Antidepressants used for nerve pain treatment:
* Amitriptyline (Elavil)
* Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
* Desipramine (Norpramin)
* Citalopram (Celexa)
* Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
* Fluoxetine (Prozac)
* Paroxetine (Paxil)
* Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
* Venlafaxine (Effexor)
More on the use of adjuvant analgesics for chronic pain treatment:
* Do Seizure Drugs Help Chronic Pain?
* Why Am I Taking an Antidepressant for My Pain?
Neuropathic Pain Treatment – Traditional Painkillers
In many cases, traditional painkillers alone are not able to control chronic nerve pain symptoms completely. This is because many traditional painkillers, such as NSAIDs, target inflammation, which may or may not be the cause of nerve pain. However, some traditional painkillers do have a role in the treatment of chronic nerve pain. They may be used when adjuvant analgesics are not effective, or in combination with anticonvulsants or antidepressants.
* NSAIDs. NSAIDs alone may not be effective at treating neuropathic pain; however, for some people, swelling makes nerve pain symptoms worse. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), may be combined with other pain treatments, and may help control breakthrough pain.
* Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen (Tyleonl) may be used in combination with adjuvant analgesics to control neuropathic pain, or may be used for episodes of breakthrough pain. Some opioids used for neuropathic pain treatment also contain acetaminophen.
* Opioids. Opioids may be prescribed for severe neuropthic pain treatment, or as a last line of defense when adjuvant analgesics fail to relieve pain. A "weak" opioid commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain is tramadol (Ultram); however, stronger opioids may also be necessary.
* Topical Analgesics. While not always effective, some people with neuropathic pain find relief with external pain medications, including lidocaine and capsacin. Topical analgesics may be combined with other medications.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment – Other Options
Medications are not the only answer when it comes to neuropathic pain treatment. Some other options that may be used alone, or in combination with painkillers, include:
* Physical therapy
* Nerve blocks
* Spinal cord stimulation
* Nerve decompression surgery
Complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) may also be helpful for neuropathic pain treatment, including acupuncture as well as herbal remedies. Though most CAMs do not require a prescription, you should still talk to your doctor before starting any new treatments for your nerve pain.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment – Adjuvant Analgesics
Adjuvant analgesics, such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants, can often combat neuropathic pain sensations. Because these medications were designed to treat conditions other than pain, their use in neuropathic pain treatment is termed "off-label" use. But don’t let that worry you: many adjuvant analgesics have proven more effective at treating chronic nerve pain symptoms than traditional painkillers.
Anticonvulsants used for nerve pain treatment:
* Gabapentin (Neurontin)
* Pregabalin (Lyrica)
* Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
* Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
* Phenytoin (Dilantin)
* Valproate (Depacon)
* Lamotrigine (Lamictol)
Antidepressants used for nerve pain treatment:
* Amitriptyline (Elavil)
* Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
* Desipramine (Norpramin)
* Citalopram (Celexa)
* Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
* Fluoxetine (Prozac)
* Paroxetine (Paxil)
* Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
* Venlafaxine (Effexor)
More on the use of adjuvant analgesics for chronic pain treatment:
* Do Seizure Drugs Help Chronic Pain?
* Why Am I Taking an Antidepressant for My Pain?
Neuropathic Pain Treatment – Traditional Painkillers
In many cases, traditional painkillers alone are not able to control chronic nerve pain symptoms completely. This is because many traditional painkillers, such as NSAIDs, target inflammation, which may or may not be the cause of nerve pain. However, some traditional painkillers do have a role in the treatment of chronic nerve pain. They may be used when adjuvant analgesics are not effective, or in combination with anticonvulsants or antidepressants.
* NSAIDs. NSAIDs alone may not be effective at treating neuropathic pain; however, for some people, swelling makes nerve pain symptoms worse. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), may be combined with other pain treatments, and may help control breakthrough pain.
* Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen (Tyleonl) may be used in combination with adjuvant analgesics to control neuropathic pain, or may be used for episodes of breakthrough pain. Some opioids used for neuropathic pain treatment also contain acetaminophen.
* Opioids. Opioids may be prescribed for severe neuropthic pain treatment, or as a last line of defense when adjuvant analgesics fail to relieve pain. A "weak" opioid commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain is tramadol (Ultram); however, stronger opioids may also be necessary.
* Topical Analgesics. While not always effective, some people with neuropathic pain find relief with external pain medications, including lidocaine and capsacin. Topical analgesics may be combined with other medications.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment – Other Options
Medications are not the only answer when it comes to neuropathic pain treatment. Some other options that may be used alone, or in combination with painkillers, include:
* Physical therapy
* Nerve blocks
* Spinal cord stimulation
* Nerve decompression surgery
Complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) may also be helpful for neuropathic pain treatment, including acupuncture as well as herbal remedies. Though most CAMs do not require a prescription, you should still talk to your doctor before starting any new treatments for your nerve pain.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Chronic Neuropathic Pain -- Causes, Treatments and Coping Strategies for Chronic Nerve Pain
Chronic neuropathic pain affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a frustrating condition, as it is often more difficult to diagnose and treat than other chronic pain conditions.
What Causes Chronic Neuropathic Pain?
Chronic neuropathic pain occurs when certain nerves in the body are not functioning as they should. This may be due to nerve damage, diseases that attack the nervous system, swelling or nerve compression. In some cases, nerves form tiny bundles called neuromas, which can also cause chronic neuropathic pain.
Not all types of chronic neuropathic pain can be traced to a single cause, however: as many as 30 percent of cases may be a mystery.
Common Types of Chronic Neuropathic Pain
There are many types of neuropathic pain. Some of the common types include:
* Postherpetic neuralgia
* Trigeminal neuralgia
* Phantom limb pain
* Diabetic neuropathy
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Sciatica
* Pudendal neuralgia
* Central pain syndrome
Symptoms of Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Nerve pain is a very distinct type of pain, and is often described as sharp, burning or stabbing. While it may be present in and around the affected area, nerve pain also has the ability to travel along the nerve to other areas in the body. This is called referred pain.
Other symptoms that may accompany nerve pain include tingling and numbness, weakness, skin changes and depression.
Treating Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is often treated with adjuvant analgesics, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants. However, other medications may also be used to treat chronic nerve pain. These include NSAIDs, opioids and corticosteroids.
Other treatments may be used for chronic nerve pain as well, such as nerve blocks or physical therapy.
Coping With Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Coping with chronic neuropathic pain is easier said than done. Sometimes, medication and treatments alone are not enough to completely manage nerve pain. However, you can still increase your quality of life. Here are a few ideas for coping with chronic neuropathic pain.
* Keep a pain journal
* Try to avoid unnecessary stress
* Practice distraction techniques
* Seek support from peers
What Causes Chronic Neuropathic Pain?
Chronic neuropathic pain occurs when certain nerves in the body are not functioning as they should. This may be due to nerve damage, diseases that attack the nervous system, swelling or nerve compression. In some cases, nerves form tiny bundles called neuromas, which can also cause chronic neuropathic pain.
Not all types of chronic neuropathic pain can be traced to a single cause, however: as many as 30 percent of cases may be a mystery.
Common Types of Chronic Neuropathic Pain
There are many types of neuropathic pain. Some of the common types include:
* Postherpetic neuralgia
* Trigeminal neuralgia
* Phantom limb pain
* Diabetic neuropathy
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Sciatica
* Pudendal neuralgia
* Central pain syndrome
Symptoms of Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Nerve pain is a very distinct type of pain, and is often described as sharp, burning or stabbing. While it may be present in and around the affected area, nerve pain also has the ability to travel along the nerve to other areas in the body. This is called referred pain.
Other symptoms that may accompany nerve pain include tingling and numbness, weakness, skin changes and depression.
Treating Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is often treated with adjuvant analgesics, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants. However, other medications may also be used to treat chronic nerve pain. These include NSAIDs, opioids and corticosteroids.
Other treatments may be used for chronic nerve pain as well, such as nerve blocks or physical therapy.
Coping With Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Coping with chronic neuropathic pain is easier said than done. Sometimes, medication and treatments alone are not enough to completely manage nerve pain. However, you can still increase your quality of life. Here are a few ideas for coping with chronic neuropathic pain.
* Keep a pain journal
* Try to avoid unnecessary stress
* Practice distraction techniques
* Seek support from peers
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Coping With Chronic Neuropathic Pain -- Simple Ways to Cope With Chronic Nerve Pain
Learning to live with chronic pain is never easy. This can especially be true when that diagnosis is chronic nerve pain, a form that is notoriously difficult to treat.
Having chronic nerve pain does not have to take away your quality of life. Today, there are many medications and treatments available to help you get your pain under control. However, if you still find it difficult to cope with your chronic nerve pain, there are a few simple things you can try.
Coping With Chronic Nerve Pain – Steps You Can Take
* Seek out peers. Peers not only understand your situation, they can also share their own coping mechanisms with you. Sometimes, a peer can give you an idea that you never had considered. At the very least, they can be someone to whom you can vent your feelings. Not sure where to start? Check out local or online support groups for your diagnosis, and post to the chronic pain forum.
* Keep a pain journal. A pain journal is a safe place for you to talk about your pain, especially if you aren’t comfortable sharing those feelings with another person. Sometimes venting your frustrations on paper is enough to make you feel better. You can also document details about your pain in your journal, which can help you recognize trends that increase and/or decrease pain sensations.
* Practice relaxation. For some people, the tension that results from excessive stress can intensify pain sensations. Of course, living stress free is next to impossible. Learning to relax, however, can help decrease some of that day-to-day tension, which is not only good for your body but also for your mental well-being. Try listening to some peaceful music, soaking in a warm bath or taking a nice stroll.
Coping With Chronic Nerve Pain – When You Need More Help
If you’ve had chronic nerve pain for awhile, you may feel frustrated. Sometimes all of the coping mechanisms in the world aren’t enough. It’s always a good idea to keep up with your doctor visits in order to keep your treatments current. However, there may be times when you need a little more help.
The effects of day-to-day pain can leave people more vulnerable to depression. It’s normal to feel sad from time to time. However, if you notice trends of increased feelings of sadness, or if you start to feel hopelessness, it might be time to seek out a psychiatric consultation. You can talk to your doctor for advice on finding a qualified mental health practitioner.
Having chronic nerve pain does not have to take away your quality of life. Today, there are many medications and treatments available to help you get your pain under control. However, if you still find it difficult to cope with your chronic nerve pain, there are a few simple things you can try.
Coping With Chronic Nerve Pain – Steps You Can Take
* Seek out peers. Peers not only understand your situation, they can also share their own coping mechanisms with you. Sometimes, a peer can give you an idea that you never had considered. At the very least, they can be someone to whom you can vent your feelings. Not sure where to start? Check out local or online support groups for your diagnosis, and post to the chronic pain forum.
* Keep a pain journal. A pain journal is a safe place for you to talk about your pain, especially if you aren’t comfortable sharing those feelings with another person. Sometimes venting your frustrations on paper is enough to make you feel better. You can also document details about your pain in your journal, which can help you recognize trends that increase and/or decrease pain sensations.
* Practice relaxation. For some people, the tension that results from excessive stress can intensify pain sensations. Of course, living stress free is next to impossible. Learning to relax, however, can help decrease some of that day-to-day tension, which is not only good for your body but also for your mental well-being. Try listening to some peaceful music, soaking in a warm bath or taking a nice stroll.
Coping With Chronic Nerve Pain – When You Need More Help
If you’ve had chronic nerve pain for awhile, you may feel frustrated. Sometimes all of the coping mechanisms in the world aren’t enough. It’s always a good idea to keep up with your doctor visits in order to keep your treatments current. However, there may be times when you need a little more help.
The effects of day-to-day pain can leave people more vulnerable to depression. It’s normal to feel sad from time to time. However, if you notice trends of increased feelings of sadness, or if you start to feel hopelessness, it might be time to seek out a psychiatric consultation. You can talk to your doctor for advice on finding a qualified mental health practitioner.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
What Does Nerve Pain Feel Like? -- Neuropathic Pain and its Unique Symptoms
Neuropathic pain, also called nerve pain, is one of the many classes of chronic pain. Nerve pain can be caused by nerve damage, irritation or destruction.
How Nerve Pain Feels
Most people describe their chronic nerve pain with a similar set of words. Regardless of the cause, nerve pain can feel like any of the following:
* Burning
* Tingling
* Shooting
* Sharp
* Stabbing
* Prickling
Nerve pain may vary in intensity. For some, it can feel like mildly bothersome pins and needles. For others, the pain may be severe and nearly unbearable. Nerve pain may be localized (felt at or near the area of nerve damage) or referred (felt somewhere else in the body).
Nerve Pain Terminology
Because nerve pain is unique, it has some medical buzzwords associated with it. Nerve pain sensations may be described with these buzzwords, which include:
* Allodynia: When a person experiences pain after a stimulus that shouldn’t cause pain under ordinary circumstances, it is called allodynia.
* Hyperalgesia: If a person has hyperalgesia, mildly painful stimuli may be felt with greater intensity.
* Dysesthesia: Dysesthesia describes some sort of impairment in sensation. It can describe pain that is felt when there is no stimulus present at all, also called spontaneous pain.
Other Symptoms Associated With Nerve Pain
Like other types of chronic pain, neuropathic conditions often cause other symptoms in addition to pain. If you have any of the following in addition to the pain described above, you may have nerve damage:
* Partial or complete loss of feeling
* Muscle weakness
* Partial or complete paralysis
* Changes in skin appearance and texture
* Muscle disuse atrophy
* Depression and/or anxiety
How Nerve Pain Feels
Most people describe their chronic nerve pain with a similar set of words. Regardless of the cause, nerve pain can feel like any of the following:
* Burning
* Tingling
* Shooting
* Sharp
* Stabbing
* Prickling
Nerve pain may vary in intensity. For some, it can feel like mildly bothersome pins and needles. For others, the pain may be severe and nearly unbearable. Nerve pain may be localized (felt at or near the area of nerve damage) or referred (felt somewhere else in the body).
Nerve Pain Terminology
Because nerve pain is unique, it has some medical buzzwords associated with it. Nerve pain sensations may be described with these buzzwords, which include:
* Allodynia: When a person experiences pain after a stimulus that shouldn’t cause pain under ordinary circumstances, it is called allodynia.
* Hyperalgesia: If a person has hyperalgesia, mildly painful stimuli may be felt with greater intensity.
* Dysesthesia: Dysesthesia describes some sort of impairment in sensation. It can describe pain that is felt when there is no stimulus present at all, also called spontaneous pain.
Other Symptoms Associated With Nerve Pain
Like other types of chronic pain, neuropathic conditions often cause other symptoms in addition to pain. If you have any of the following in addition to the pain described above, you may have nerve damage:
* Partial or complete loss of feeling
* Muscle weakness
* Partial or complete paralysis
* Changes in skin appearance and texture
* Muscle disuse atrophy
* Depression and/or anxiety
Friday, June 17, 2011
Diagnosing Chronic Pain -- Tests and Procedures for Diagnosing Different Types of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is usually not diagnosed until you have regularly been in pain for three to six months. This wait can be frustrating when you are in pain without a good medical explanation. Unfortunately, diagnosing chronic pain is not easy.
Because the process of finding a cause for your pain can be daunting, you may be tempted to stop looking altogether. Try, however, to stick with it for as long as you can. Simply eliminating potential diseases and disorders can help you understand where your pain is not coming from, even if the true source is never actually discovered. This can make treating your pain more effective.
Over time, your doctor will perform a number of different tests which may include blood work, imaging and nerve testing. What tests he performs depends on where your pain is located and what he suspects is causing it, in addition to your other symptoms. Here are some of the most common types of chronic pain, and how they are investigated.
Diagnosing Back Pain
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, your doctor will perform tests to determine whether the cause is a tissue disorder, such as a muscle strain or a hairline fracture, or whether it is caused by nerve damage, such as with a ruptured disc.
* X-rays can detect injuries in bone and dense tissue.
* MRIs can reveal damage to bones, as well as softer tissues like muscles, ligaments or tendons.
* CT scans provide more accurate detail than an x-ray, and may be used to examine problems areas more closely.
Diagnosing Headache Pain
Chronic headache pain can be caused by muscle tension, nervous system disorders or eye strain. Frequently, they are associated with other chronic conditions such as MS or neck and shoulder injuries. Your doctor may first rule out any underlying causes of headaches such as disease, chemical abnormalities or dehydration. He may also recommend an optometrist consultation.
If you do not have any underlying disorders which could potentially cause chronic headaches, your doctor may diagnose you by asking a series of questions to determine the cause of your headaches:
* Is your pain localized on one side of your head?
* Does it start in the neck?
* Is it worse at the end of the day?
* Does it cause sensitivity to light or sound?
The answer to these questions can determine whether you are having migraines, cluster headaches, muscle tension headaches or eye strain.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. Many of its symptoms are common to other chronic illnesses, such as MS or rheumatoid arthritis. If your doctor suspects you have fibromyalgia, you can expect the following tests:
* X-rays and MRI to rule out tissue disorders.
* Blood work to rule out rheumatic diseases such as lupus.
* Neurological testing to rule out MS.
* Palpation of fibromyalgia tender points.
Your doctor will also inquire about other common ailments associated with fibromyalgia such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), difficulty sleeping or concentrating, chronic fatigue and noise or light sensitivity.
Diagnosing Arthritis and Joint Pain
Joint pain is usually caused by arthritis, but repetitive strain injuries such as those resulting from contact sports or manual labor can also cause chronic pain.
When diagnosing the cause of chronic joint pain, your doctor will perform an x-ray or an MRI to examine the tissues and bones in greater detail. He may also perform blood tests to rule out other disorders.
Diagnosing Neuropathic Pain
Pain nerves send signals to the brain when they are stimulated by injury; however they may become overly excitable and transmit signals when it is not necessary. This is the case with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and phantom limb pain. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by constant stimulation of pain nerves, such as in cases of slipped discs, narrowing of the spinal canal or injuries that caused severe nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is also one of the most common symptoms of advanced diabetes, occuring in 60 to 70% of the diabetic population.
If your doctor suspects your chronic pain is caused by nerves, he will ask you to describe your pain. Most people with nerve pain describe it as burning or stabbing. MRIs and CT scans can pinpoint exact areas of nerve damage. If necessary, your doctor may perform nerve conduction tests to pinpoint areas with damage.
Diagnosing Other Causes of Chronic Pain
Before making a diagnosis, your doctor may want to rule out other, more serious causes of chronic pain. For instance, chronic back pain or headaches may be symptoms of cancerous tumors. Joint pain and fibromyalgia-like symptoms are also common to MS. Neuropathic pain may indicate a mild spinal cord injury.
While it may be frustrating to wait for an accurate diagnosis of your pain, it is best if your doctor is thorough with his investigation. It is better to take your time for the correct diagnosis than rushing into a wrong one, or worse: no diagnosis at all.
Because the process of finding a cause for your pain can be daunting, you may be tempted to stop looking altogether. Try, however, to stick with it for as long as you can. Simply eliminating potential diseases and disorders can help you understand where your pain is not coming from, even if the true source is never actually discovered. This can make treating your pain more effective.
Over time, your doctor will perform a number of different tests which may include blood work, imaging and nerve testing. What tests he performs depends on where your pain is located and what he suspects is causing it, in addition to your other symptoms. Here are some of the most common types of chronic pain, and how they are investigated.
Diagnosing Back Pain
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, your doctor will perform tests to determine whether the cause is a tissue disorder, such as a muscle strain or a hairline fracture, or whether it is caused by nerve damage, such as with a ruptured disc.
* X-rays can detect injuries in bone and dense tissue.
* MRIs can reveal damage to bones, as well as softer tissues like muscles, ligaments or tendons.
* CT scans provide more accurate detail than an x-ray, and may be used to examine problems areas more closely.
Diagnosing Headache Pain
Chronic headache pain can be caused by muscle tension, nervous system disorders or eye strain. Frequently, they are associated with other chronic conditions such as MS or neck and shoulder injuries. Your doctor may first rule out any underlying causes of headaches such as disease, chemical abnormalities or dehydration. He may also recommend an optometrist consultation.
If you do not have any underlying disorders which could potentially cause chronic headaches, your doctor may diagnose you by asking a series of questions to determine the cause of your headaches:
* Is your pain localized on one side of your head?
* Does it start in the neck?
* Is it worse at the end of the day?
* Does it cause sensitivity to light or sound?
The answer to these questions can determine whether you are having migraines, cluster headaches, muscle tension headaches or eye strain.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. Many of its symptoms are common to other chronic illnesses, such as MS or rheumatoid arthritis. If your doctor suspects you have fibromyalgia, you can expect the following tests:
* X-rays and MRI to rule out tissue disorders.
* Blood work to rule out rheumatic diseases such as lupus.
* Neurological testing to rule out MS.
* Palpation of fibromyalgia tender points.
Your doctor will also inquire about other common ailments associated with fibromyalgia such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), difficulty sleeping or concentrating, chronic fatigue and noise or light sensitivity.
Diagnosing Arthritis and Joint Pain
Joint pain is usually caused by arthritis, but repetitive strain injuries such as those resulting from contact sports or manual labor can also cause chronic pain.
When diagnosing the cause of chronic joint pain, your doctor will perform an x-ray or an MRI to examine the tissues and bones in greater detail. He may also perform blood tests to rule out other disorders.
Diagnosing Neuropathic Pain
Pain nerves send signals to the brain when they are stimulated by injury; however they may become overly excitable and transmit signals when it is not necessary. This is the case with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and phantom limb pain. Neuropathic pain can also be caused by constant stimulation of pain nerves, such as in cases of slipped discs, narrowing of the spinal canal or injuries that caused severe nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is also one of the most common symptoms of advanced diabetes, occuring in 60 to 70% of the diabetic population.
If your doctor suspects your chronic pain is caused by nerves, he will ask you to describe your pain. Most people with nerve pain describe it as burning or stabbing. MRIs and CT scans can pinpoint exact areas of nerve damage. If necessary, your doctor may perform nerve conduction tests to pinpoint areas with damage.
Diagnosing Other Causes of Chronic Pain
Before making a diagnosis, your doctor may want to rule out other, more serious causes of chronic pain. For instance, chronic back pain or headaches may be symptoms of cancerous tumors. Joint pain and fibromyalgia-like symptoms are also common to MS. Neuropathic pain may indicate a mild spinal cord injury.
While it may be frustrating to wait for an accurate diagnosis of your pain, it is best if your doctor is thorough with his investigation. It is better to take your time for the correct diagnosis than rushing into a wrong one, or worse: no diagnosis at all.
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