What Are the Different Types of Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is not just a single condition, but is rather a term to describe pain that has persisted for at least three months. There are many different medical conditions that can result in chronic pain and it presents in a variety of ways.

Before we get to the conditions, however, we will briefly discuss the pain itself. There are two types of pain that result from chronic pain conditions – neuropathic or nociceptive pain.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain results from damage or malfunction of the nerves themselves. The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that lead to and from the spinal cord. These nerves transmit pain signals to the brain. Chronic neuropathic pain is often challenging to treat because it can be difficult to pinpoint the specific nerve that has been damaged.

Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain is the result of an injury or disease to a part of the body and usually presents as a sharp, aching, or throbbing pain. It is known as nociceptive pain because the injury or disease stimulates the nociceptors, which are the receptors on the nerves responsible for transmitting pain messages from the area of injury.

Nociceptors may still send pain messages long after the original injury heals.

Chronic pain is generally associated with one of the following areas:

Persistent back or leg pain

Persistent back or leg pain can be the result of spinal diseases such as arachnoiditis, degenerative disc disease, epidural fibrosis, failed back surgery syndrome, lumbar disc herniation, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis. Back pain is normally in the low back, but it can extend down into the legs or even the feet. Sometimes the painful areas can be sore to the touch. This type of pain can be felt as a sharp pain, a burning sensation, or a dull muscle ache. It can range from mildly uncomfortable to completely disabling.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS usually affects an arm or a leg after surgery, injury such as a broken bone, the result of nerve damage, a stroke, or a heart attack. CRPS is uncommon and its cause isn’t clearly understood. Symptoms may change over time and vary from person to person, but they usually include pain, swelling, and redness.

There are two types of CRPS. Type 1, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD), occurs after an illness or injury that doesn’t directly damage the nerves in the painful limb. About 90% of people with complex regional pain syndrome have type 1. Type 2 has similar symptoms to type 1, but generally follows a distinct nerve injury.

Painful neuropathies

This term covers a variety of neurological disorders resulting from damage to the nerves. The common symptoms include pain, burning, weakness, and numbness. These most often appear in the hands or feet.

Painful neuropathies may occur as a result of nutritional imbalances, alcoholism, toxins, infections, or autoimmunity, or may be the result of illnesses such as kidney failure, diabetes, or cancer. Treatment will usually focus on the underlying disease or condition if it is known.

Chronic pain isn’t a simple fix. But luckily, there are many treatment options available that can provide relief. All you need to do is have some courage and patience, and find a skilled team of pain experts that can help.

Pain does not wait for you, so don’t wait around for it. Visit your local pain management clinic today and get the relief you deserve.

Treating Chronic Pain at Twin Cities Pain Clinic

At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, we are Minnesota’s pain management experts. We offer the most modern and effective treatment options to provide maximum pain relief and better quality of life. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, reach out to us and schedule an appointment. Together, we can help you get back to living your best life.

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