Why do people with chronic pain seek medical care?
Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to activity limitations, dependence on opioids, anxiety and depression, and reduced quality of life. [2] Research shows that those with chronic pain are four times more likely to have depression or anxiety than those who are pain-free.
What happens when you have chronic pain and depression?
If you have to care for children or work full-time, all this may make your life seem too challenging. These feelings can lead to irritability, depression, and even suicide. What Happens? Depression is one of the most common mental health problems facing people with chronic pain.
How many people in the US have chronic pain?
Eight females and seven males with chronic pain in a variety of locations including back, neck, arm, hip, knee and ankle were interviewed. Pain was mainly caused by injury and osteoarthritis. Characteristics of participants with chronic pain are summarised in Table 1 .
What are the symptoms of chronic pain syndrome?
While the pain can be near-constant, there may be flares of more intense pain due to increases in stress or activity. Symptoms include: of the subjects who reported chronic pain also had depression, most of them with “severe” level symptoms.
What is the best long term pain medication?
Paracetamol is used to treat mild-to-moderate pain. For some types of chronic or long-term pain, taking paracetamol at regular set times is likely to be most helpful. It can be used on its own or with other pain relief medication. When taken at the correct dose, it is generally safe with few side effects.
Which conditions cause chronic pain?
Examples of infectious diseases frequently associated with chronic pain include: Meningitis. The inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Shingles. Caused by the same virus as chickenpox, it is characterized by shooting or burning pain, rashes and blisters. Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
What diseases cause pain?
Disease can also be the underlying cause of chronic pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia are well-known culprits, but persistent pain may also be due to such ailments as cancer, multiple sclerosis, stomach ulcers, AIDS, and gallbladder disease.
What is chronic or persistent pain?
Chronic or persistent pain is pain that carries on for longer than 12 weeks despite medication or treatment. Most people get back to normal after pain following an injury or operation. But sometimes the pain carries on for longer or comes on without any history of an injury or operation. Chronic pain can also affect people living with: diabetes