Chronic pain causes frustration and discomfort for millions of people in the United States alone. Around 20% of Americans report experiencing chronic pain, with nearly 7% reporting that their pain was so intense it limited their day-to-day lives. While chronic pain is undeniably difficult, physical therapy can play an important role in helping to manage it.
Addressing chronic pain starts by determining the root cause of the pain. Unfortunately, doing so can be a challenge. Several issues can contribute to chronic pain, including past injuries, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Chronic pain also frequently has a psychological element that can further complicate treatment.
That said, the team at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy has the training and knowledge to help you better understand what might be causing your chronic pain. Our comprehensive assessments will pinpoint specific issues, and we’ll use that information to create a personalized treatment program.
If chronic pain is affecting your daily life, it’s time to take action! You can start by reading about some common chronic pain causes below and see what resonates. You can also contact our Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Redondo Beach, CA, and Torrance, CA clinics for more personalized guidance!
What’s Causing My Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is pain that persists for three or more months. Unlike acute pain, which comes on suddenly and has a clear underlying injury, the causes of chronic pain aren’t so easy to pinpoint. Often, it stems from a variety of factors, such as the following:
Past Injuries or Surgeries
- Not fully rehabilitating an injury can lead to muscular weaknesses or biomechanical issues that can potentially cause chronic pain. This is especially true with surgeries, as the rehabilitation helps prevent the formation of scar tissue that can cause long-term pain and mobility restrictions.
Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points on the body. The exact cause is unknown, but experts believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Spinal Issues
- Problems with the spine, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, can lead to chronic pain. These conditions can compress nerves and cause pain that radiates to other parts of the body, such as the legs or arms.
Nerve Damage
- Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, can result from conditions like diabetes, infections, or traumatic injuries. Symptoms include burning, tingling, or shooting pain, often in the hands and feet.
Arthritis
- Arthritis causes joint inflammation that leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling and has no cure. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. While arthritis pain does differ from true chronic pain in that the cause is clear, it does cause long-term pain that can be difficult to manage.
Chronic Pain Relief with Physical Therapy
We take a deeply personalized approach to chronic pain management, focusing on your specific symptoms, concerns, and overall goals. We aim to create treatment programs that will reduce discomfort and improve overall function and mobility, although that process will look different for everyone.
We often start with treatment methods that can help decrease pain and boost blood circulation to the affected area. This might include hands-on manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release or modalities like electrical stimulation.
Chronic pain causes many people to opt for sedentary lifestyles that only worsen their symptoms in the long run. For that reason, we emphasize therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and support proper posture. However, we do choose these exercises based on what works best for your condition and progress.
Lifestyle adjustments are another important part of addressing chronic pain. For example, we can help you develop a gentle exercise program that suits your ability levels and helps you stay active. We can also show you ergonomic adjustments or other modifications to help you avoid actions that can aggravate your pain.
From Identifying the Causes of Chronic Pain to Finding Lasting Relief, We’re Here to Help!
Living with chronic pain can be immensely difficult, but you don’t have to manage your symptoms on your own. The Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy team offers our knowledge and expertise to help you feel your best.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive assessment to get started!
