- Main types of chronic pain
- 1. Nociceptive or somatic pain
- 2. Neuropathic pain
- 3. Mixed or nonspecific pain
- What to do if you have chronic pain
Chronic pain is one that persists for more than 3 months, despite controversies, as some sources claim that this type of pain is only considered when it persists for more than 6 months or when it is caused by diseases that have no cure.
When the pain becomes chronic, it usually indicates that there are dysfunctions in the nervous system or in the nerve fibers of the affected limb and it usually arises in association with a chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spine or knee arthrosis, fibromyalgia or cancer, for example. In such cases, the pain is so impactful that it is no longer just a symptom, but is also considered a disease.
Pain is an unpleasant sensation located in some part of the body, which is usually caused by some damage to tissues, such as a cut, burn or inflammation, or by stimuli of the nervous system, and can also be influenced by emotional issues, since situations such as anxiety and depression are important for the intensity and duration of pain.
Main types of chronic pain
Pain can appear anywhere on the body, and can have several causes, depending on its type. Determining the type of pain is very important for the doctor, as it will determine the best type of treatment for each person. To identify the type, the doctor performs an analysis of the symptoms together with a physical examination.
1. Nociceptive or somatic pain
It is the pain that arises due to an injury or inflammation of the skin tissues, which is detected by the sensors of the nervous system as a threat, and persists as long as the cause is not resolved.
Possible causes: Cut; Burn; Stroke; Fracture; Sprain; Tendonitis; Infection; Muscle contractures.
2. Neuropathic pain
Pain that happens due to dysfunction of the nervous system, whether in the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. It is common to appear in the form of burning, pricking or tingling. Learn more about what it is and how to identify neuropathic pain.
Possible causes: Diabetic neuropathy; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Trigeminal neuralgia; Narrowing of the spinal canal; After stroke; Neuropathies of genetic, infectious or toxic substances.
3. Mixed or nonspecific pain
It is pain that is caused either by components of nociceptive and neuropathic pain, or by unknown causes.
Possible causes: Headache; Herniated disc; Cancer; Vasculitis; Osteoarthritis that can reach several places such as knees, spine or hips, for example.
What to do if you have chronic pain
The treatment of chronic pain is complex and involves much more care than the use of a simple analgesic or anti-inflammatory to be resolved. Thus, whenever there is persistent pain, it is necessary to seek medical attention, which through assessment will determine the type of pain and what it may be causing.
In some cases, the cause of the pain cannot be resolved, and with that, the doctor will adapt the medications and therapies available to relieve the discomfort. Thus, it is recommended that the treatment with medicines be adapted to the needs of each person, depending on the type of pain and its cause. For example, in some cases, the use of simple analgesics can relieve pain, while in other cases, more potent medications, such as Morphine, are needed.
In addition, therapies such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, radiofrequency or even surgery may be indicated as good ways to control pain. As chronic pain is also heavily influenced by psychological factors, follow-up with a psychologist or psychiatrist may also be indicated. Learn more about how treatment with drugs and alternative options is done.
