After an injury, trauma, or illness, sometimes the body retains the imprint of pain, and it may be difficult to identify the original cause of this pain. It is therefore recommended to combine the care of several professionals to improve the chances of healing. Chiropractors are among these professionals: their manipulations act, among other things, on the nervous system and muscle contractions, providing real relief. Here is an overview of the types of chronic pain they can help fight and the treatments they use to achieve this.
Chronic pain: what are its characteristics?
Pain is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three continuous months, or more than one month with previous episodes of recurrence. Some chronic pains are linked to inflammation, as is the case with osteoarthritis, for example. Others result from trauma that may have affected the nerves: Arnold’s neuralgia and herniated discs can fall into this category. In such cases, pain receptors may become disturbed and send pain signals even when the source is difficult to detect.
Moreover, diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis can also cause recurring pain.
Finally, there is the category of headaches and migraines. These may be triggered by many factors such as lifestyle habits, smoking, or muscle tension.
In all cases, these are conditions that recur repeatedly, occurring several days a month. Some patients may even live with these pains for years.
Besides the discomfort caused by these pains, they can be anxiety-provoking and stressful. Patients suffering from chronic pain are more vulnerable to depression and mood disorders, which can further exacerbate painful sensations. This is why it is recommended to explore multiple treatment options to improve their quality of life. In this regard, chiropractors can assist them and alleviate their pain.
How long does it take to heal from chronic pain?
There is no average healing time for chronic pain since it varies and its cause is difficult to identify. However, pain managed by a team of healthcare professionals with complementary approaches can bring significant relief to the patient.
The most common symptoms of chronic pain
Among the symptoms experienced by patients with chronic pain, joint and muscle pain, generalized fatigue, and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent. Additionally, mood disorders such as depression, irritability, and anxiety are also commonly present in this population.
What factors can cause chronic pain?
It is important to know that chronic pain can change the behavior of nerve cells in the brain, i.e., neurons. These cells process and transmit sensory information. Exposed to chronic pain, they become hypersensitive to pain messages.
Anyone living with a chronic incurable disease is therefore at high risk of suffering from chronic pain. This is the case, for example, for people affected by degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, or whose immune system is compromised, such as arthritis. Fibromyalgia is very often associated with pain occurring all over the body. Moreover, intestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis all cause chronic inflammation of the intestines. Other pains can also be recurrent: these include some back pains, pain related to surgery, or chronic pain associated with a past or ongoing cancer.
Who is most at risk of suffering from chronic pain?
People living with a chronic incurable disease, individuals who smoke, those suffering from depression, obese persons, and those over 65 years old are the most at risk of developing chronic pain.
Getting a diagnosis of chronic pain by a chiropractor
The chiropractor’s evaluation first focuses on the patient’s medical history. Any illness, surgery, or treatment must be discussed during this meeting. The patient’s sensations have a major place in the consultation because the care they receive aims to relieve them and help them stay active. It is also important to mention the conditions under which the pain appeared, its frequency, and if any factors can exacerbate or alleviate it.
The chiropractor may need to use other diagnostic tools such as X-rays or blood tests in collaboration with the family doctor. Only with this comprehensive view can they then propose a personalized treatment plan to their patient.
How can the chiropractor treat chronic pain?
Chiropractic care aim not only to relieve the patient’s pain but also to restore normal functioning. By working on the spine, the healthcare professional helps release muscles contracted for a long time and reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs. They may also use other techniques such as traction, joint or ligament mobilizations, and pressure points on sore muscles. Complementary therapy devices, such as ultrasound, laser, or the application of ice and heat, are also used to relieve pain, including headaches.
This care goes beyond just loosening tissues or reducing pressure; it plays an important role in managing chronic pain by influencing neuroplasticity. This means that chiropractic help reprogram how neurons transmit pain, thereby reducing its perception in the long term. By promoting the natural secretion of endorphins, molecules that reduce painful sensations and provide a feeling of well-being, these treatments are particularly effective in limiting the impact of chronic pain on the patient’s daily life and contributing to their recovery.
Other pains that the chiropractor can help relieve
Whether it is lower back pain, hip pain, or headaches, many aches can be alleviated by the chiropractor. Their comprehensive approach includes diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up. Thus, the patient benefits from an effective solution that takes into account the sources of their problem for a long-term resolution. Consult the list of chiropractic centers at ChiroRéseau to schedule your consultation and regain your quality of life.