Overview

Pain is a signal in your nervous system that something may be wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. There are two different types of pain: Acute Pain and Chronic Pain. Acute pain lets you know that you may be injured or a have problem you need to take care of. Chronic Pain differs in that it may be ongoing for weeks, months, or even years. 

Causes

The original cause may have been an injury or infection. There may be an ongoing cause of pain, such as arthritis or cancer. In some cases there is no clear cause. Environmental and psychological factors can make chronic pain worse.

Symptoms

Chronic pain may be caused by a number of factors. As such, chronic pain may manifest in a number of areas.

Treatments

The medications used to treat arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis. Commonly used arthritis medications include:

  • NSAIDs.
  • Acetaminophen.

  • COX-2 inhibitors. 

  • Antidepressants

  • Opioids

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT addresses psychosocial contributors to pain, including fear, avoidance, distress, and anxiety, and helps improve patient function. CBT trains patients in behavioral techniques to help modify situational factors and cognitive processes exacerbating pain. CBT engages patients to be active, teaches relaxation techniques, supports patient coping strategies, and often includes support groups, professional counseling, or other self-help programs.
  • Exercise Therapy. Exercise therapy (e.g., walking, swimming, yoga, free weights, etc.) encourages active patient participation in the care plan and provides the opportunity to address the effects of pain in the patient’s life. Exercise therapy can address posture, weakness, or repetitive motions that contribute to musculoskeletal pain

If conservative measures don’t help, doctors may suggest surgery, such as epidural or intraarticular glucocorticoid injections

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