Chronic Pain - types, treatments and self care

WHAT IS CHRONIC PAIN?

• pain continuous for more than 3 months
• pain has persisted after a condition or injury has healed
• pain frequently recurs 

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON TYPES OF CHRONIC PAIN?

• low back pain
• headaches/migraines
• arthritis
• nerve pain
• pain associated with long term illness such as cancer

How pain becomes chronic varies depending on the condition.  In the case of low back pain it may have started out as an injury which may have never completely healed.  Osteoarthritis on the other hand is a condition that progresses over time due to deterioration of the cartilage which provides cushioning for the joint.  Nerve pain may develop from a long term condition such as diabetes whereas headaches may be due to long standing stress or tension.

HOW DOES CHRONIC PAIN IMPACT THE BODY?

• loss of appetite
• sleep disturbances
• depression
• decreased energy

WHAT ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHRONIC PAIN?

• acupuncture
• herbal remedies or supplements
• massage/tui-na
• tai chi
• qi gong
• meditation

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT CHRONIC PAIN?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific areas of the body to regulate the flow of Qi.  When Qi is blocked there will be pain.  Qi can become blocked through various mechanisms such as trauma or injury to the body, long term emotional distress, internal imbalances such as digestive, circulatory, respiratory and gynecological disorders will all disrupt the flow of energy or Qi in the body.  Specific points are chosen for their pain relieving quality as well as to balance the body.  

From a more Western perspective acupuncture has been shown to affect areas in the brain that are related to pain control.  As well acupuncture has been shown reduce pain transmission by overloading nerve gates with impulses.  Acupuncture also affects blood vessels by causing constriction or dilation through the release of vasodilators.  Endorphins, serotonin and noradrenaline are also released during acupuncture.  Although they may not directly affect pain they do have the affect of promoting a sense of well being.

Several studies on acupuncture and different types of pain have been done.  Below are links to a few.
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Headaches/Migraines
Low back pain
As well studies have been done on pain and other complementary therapies
Tai chi and osteoarthritis
Yoga and back pain
Meditation and pain

Please check with your health care provider to ensure a particular therapy is appropriate for your condition