Overview
Physical pain, or acute pain, can impact your daily life in many ways. For many, simple analgesia can be effective and relieve the symptoms of acute pain. Chronic pain is an extreme condition where a patient will feel the effects of this physical pain for more than 3 months. Treatment can be offered, but it’s likely the pain will recur and can be overwhelming in some cases.
Symptoms of Chronic Pain
Pain itself is a symptom where the brain transmits signals from the source via the nervous system. Acute pain will commonly resolve itself or ease after the use of medication. Chronic pain will present itself as a persistent symptom of a physical ailment such as back pain, headaches or nerve damage. While it can be managed with medication or, in some cases, physical therapy, it is common that it will be ongoing. In some cases this will impact the quality of life for the patient.
Common areas for chronic pain:
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Joint Pain
- Headaches
- Muscle ache
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abdominal pain & bloating
- Nerve pain or damage as a result of injury
Causes of Chronic Pain
There are many causes for chronic pain, but commonly, it can arise from an ailment such as arthritis or cancer. Other causes could be pain caused by a simple injury leading to a complicated recovery, for instance, a twisted ankle or bulging disc in your back. Treatment will look different based on the cause of your pain.
In some cases, pain can be caused by a psychological factor like stress or anxiety. This is known as psychosomatic pain, and due to the nature of the cause of this pain, recovery can take a long time.
Each person will need to heal in their own time and learn to manage this symptom through medication or a holistic approach.
How is Chronic Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of chronic pain can be difficult as the patient will be treated on an individual basis. During your appointment with the doctor, you will discuss your concerns in a safe and comfortable environment. They may ask some questions to determine the cause of your symptoms and consider a suitable treatment plan. In some cases, a physical examination may be required, blood drawn, or an imaging referral to get a clearer picture of the source of the pain. Your doctor will discuss all these options with you during your appointment so that you are informed about your treatment options.
Are There Treatments For Chronic Pain
As chronic pain is specific to each person, their symptoms or cause for symptoms can look different based on a number of factors such as:
- the source of pain
- if it’s associated with an existing condition
- the type of pain
- its effect on your well-being
Once these can be established, it will be important to rate the level of pain so the correct treatment options can be found. Previous imaging or blood results can also be considered, as well as general overall health, to give a full picture to the provider for your care.
When To Get Help With Pain
Chronic pain can be dismissed for many reasons, but if you feel that you are suffering for a long time, then it is important to speak to someone or ask for help. Conditions or symptoms can be managed with both medicinal & holistic care, and the course of treatment will be determined based on the needs of the individual. We have many qualified professionals who can assess and treat you on a personal level to manage your health effectively.
Types of Pain That We Treat
- Sciatica pain
- Knee pain
- Stomach pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Abdominal pain
- Heel pain
- Earache
- Groin pain
- Wrist pain
- Breast pain
- Foot pain
- Leg pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Period pain
- Jaw pain
- Joint pain
- Ankle pain
- Muscle pain
- Hand pain
- Arm pain
- Body aches
Why Go Private for Chronic Pain Treatment?
Choosing Mid Ulster Clinic’s pain management service gives you expert, personalised care for long-term pain conditions:
- Specialist-led care: Be supported by clinicians experienced in managing chronic pain across a wide range of conditions.
- Multidisciplinary approach: Access treatment plans that may include medication, targeted injections, physical therapy referrals, and lifestyle support.
- Comprehensive assessment: Understand the underlying causes of your pain through thorough history-taking and diagnostic tools.
- Personalised relief strategies: We work with you to develop a tailored approach – helping you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Ongoing support: Benefit from consistent follow-up and adjustments to your treatment as your needs evolve.
Take the first step towards effective pain management – book a consultation today.
- Medically Reviewed
