Chronic pain can be the result of an injury, illness or medical condition, or its cause may be unknown. Some people with chronic pain can develop emotional problems or physical limitations that impair their relationships, hamper job performance and limit their activities.
Working with pain specialists, effective pain treatments are available. Find a healthcare provider who understands chronic pain, has experience treating pain similar to yours, is willing to talk and listen to you, and is willing to speak with your family. Treatment for chronic pain may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen and Naproxen, which also reduce inflammation
- Steroidal drugs, such as prednisone, for more serious inflammatory conditions
- Local anesthetics that are injected around nerve roots—a group of nerves—or into muscles or joints to decrease swelling, irritation, muscle spasms, and abnormal nerve activity
- Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or exercising
- Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, meditation
