What Causes Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Discover what causes chronic pain syndrome, how to identify the signs, and where to find effective treatment.
The information presented on this page is an overview of the average evaluation of chronic pain and is offered here as a resource. At J. Flowers Health Institute, our evaluations and treatment plans are customized and tailored to each individual’s needs. We specialize in providing a comprehensive team approach to your care. Our evaluations may include neuropsychological and medical testing, brain mapping, and a chronic pain assessment for help diagnosing your symptoms to provide the holistic care you deserve.
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What Is Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic pain syndrome is a condition marked by persistent or recurrent pain that lasts at least three to six months and causes physical and/or psychological changes.
How Common Is Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic pain syndrome affects around 20.4% of adults in the U.S., with 8% having high-impact chronic pain.1
Chronic Pain Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia
Additionally, fibromyalgia is less prevalent than chronic pain, with only 2% of U.S. adults diagnosed.2
Chronic Pain Conditions
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Interstitial cystitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Neuropathic pain
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
Risk Factors for Chronic Pain Syndrome
- Age, as prevalence increases as individuals grow older
- Gender, as women are more likely to develop this condition than men
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Stress
What Causes Chronic Pain Syndrome?
There are a variety of reasons chronic pain syndrome can occur. These will be detailed below.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term that refers to the inflammation of one or more joints. There are more than one hundred types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This condition affects over 58.5 million adults in the U.S.3
Fibromyalgia
Back Pain
Headaches
There are many types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, muscle tension, and dehydration. Headache disorders are some of the most prevalent nervous system disorders, with about 50% of the population worldwide experiencing symptoms.4
Cancer
Surgical Trauma
Chronic pain syndrome can be caused by surgical trauma, such as nerve or tissue damage. Several complications can arise from surgery-related chronic pain, so it’s essential to look out for any adverse symptoms.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Pain Syndrome
Physical Signs of Chronic Pain Syndrome
Chronic pain syndrome can cause many different physical signs and symptoms that range from mild to severe, such as:
- Pain that lasts for more than three months
- Pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Pain that interferes with work, sleep, and other activities
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Numbness
- Tingling
Emotional Signs of Chronic Pain Syndrome
There are various emotional signs and symptoms that can occur from this disorder, such as:
- Anger
- Frustration
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Sleep problems
Psychological Signs of Chronic Pain Syndrome
The psychological signs and symptoms of chronic pain syndrome may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Social Results of Chronic Pain Syndrome
In some cases, chronic pain disorder can result in social issues, such as:
- Relationship problems
- Financial problems
- Job loss
- Social isolation
Chronic Pain Syndrome Diagnosis
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of chronic pain syndrome can help indicate when a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is needed. The process of diagnosing this condition includes:
- Medical History: Doctors can utilize medical history to help determine the possible cause of chronic pain, as the condition usually develops from a pre-existing illness or injury. In addition, they will ask about the pain, including when it started, how long it lasts, what it feels like, and what makes it worse or better, as well as other symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems, and mood changes.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests that are commonly used to diagnose chronic pain syndrome can include computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and/or lab tests.
Treatment for Chronic Pain Syndrome
Treatment for chronic pain syndrome often includes a combination of medication, physical therapy, and psychological counseling.
Can Chronic Pain Be Managed?
How to Cope With Chronic Pain Syndrome
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid stress
- Take pain medications as prescribed
- See a doctor or pain specialist regularly
- Participate in a support group
Chronic Pain Syndrome Treatment Options
Various treatment options are available for chronic pain syndrome, such as:
- Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and prescription pain medication, such as opioids or antidepressants, are among the most common types of medicines for chronic pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and joints and massage, heat, and cold therapy can help reduce pain.
- Psychological/Behavior Therapy: Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques aim to teach patients how to cope with the adverse effects of chronic pain syndrome and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Counseling: Individual counseling, family counseling, and group therapy can help patients learn how to manage the effects of chronic pain syndrome in a positive and healthy way.
- Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks are a local anesthetic that is injected into the nerves that are causing pain.
- Alternative Therapy: Alternative therapy that may help with chronic pain include acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hypnosis.
