When Is Pain Considered Chronic?

At Integrated Pain Solutions, we’re recognizing Pain Awareness Month by sharing some helpful facts about pain. Why? Because the more you know about this common issue, the more empowered you’ll be to take action and seek the care you deserve.

Today, we’re answering one of our patients’ most commonly asked questions: “When is pain considered chronic?” Read on to learn more!

Defining ‘Chronic’ Pain

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, chronic pain is defined as pain felt on most or all days of the week for at least three to six months. The American Chronic Pain Association also considers pain to be chronic if it lasts a month or more beyond the usual recovery period for an injury or illness.

Treatment for chronic pain can be different than treatment for acute pain. If your pain is chronic, consulting with a pain control doctor can help you maintain healthy expectations and ensure you get the personalized care you need for better outcomes.

Become Pain-Aware: 5 Things to Know About Pain

Understanding your pain can actually help you feel better. With this in mind, here are five important things to know:

1. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans has chronic pain, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Pain begins in the brain. This means your brain creates the sensation of pain based on feedback from nerves in your body. That said, pain is real and can have a big impact on well-being and quality of life.
3. Many risk factors for chronic pain are manageable, including smoking, alcohol use, obesity, sleep health, nutrition, physical activity, and stress. Even your perceptions and beliefs about pain can affect how you feel. The good news is that changing these manageable factors can enhance the effect of other pain-relief services.
4. The CDC generally recommends conservative treatments like exercise and steroid injections over opioid medications for managing chronic pain.
5. Did you know that taking deep breaths reduces muscle tension, promotes relaxation, and triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in your nervous system? Deep breathing can help you feel a lot better!

Are You or a Loved One Living With Chronic Pain?

Contact Integrated Pain Solutions at 614-383-6450 to schedule a consultation today with one of our pain specialists. We’re here to help you find relief!