Definition of Chronic pain
Chronic pain: Pain (an
unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period
of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a
specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
Chronic pain may be related to a number of different
medical conditions including (but not limited to) diabetes, arthritis, migraine, fibromyalgia,
cancer, shingles, sciatica, and previous trauma or injury. Chronic pain may worsen in response to environmental and/or psychological factors.
There are a variety of treatment options for people with
chronic pain. The goal of pain management is to provide symptom relief and
improve an individual's level of functioning in daily activities. A number of
types of medications have been used in the management of chronic pain, including
acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors, antimigraine medications, sedatives, opioids, and antidepressants. Nonmedicinal treatments for chronic pain can include exercise, physical therapy,
counseling, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, acupuncture, hypnosis,
chiropractic medicine, and other treatments.
Last Editorial Review: 6/21/2006
- tramadol, Ultram - Read about tramadol (Ultram), a drug prescribed for chronic pain, and moderate to severe pain. Side effects, dosage, and drug interaction information included.
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
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