Chronic Pain Therapy
Chronic pain is any pain that lasts longer than six months. It can occur anywhere in the body. Chronic pain can range from a mild irritation to a severely debilitating condition.
Chronic pain can affect one’s daily routine and quality of life. It may also be a risk factor for depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Thus, someone who has chronic pain may wish to speak to a therapist.
WHAT CAUSES CHRONIC PAIN?
Chronic pain often occurs due to a physical health issue. Long-term conditions such as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and AIDS might all cause chronic pain. Chronic pain can also be caused by:
- Ulcers
- Poor posture
- Repetitive stress injuries (caused by doing the same motion repeatedly)
- Traumatic injuries
- Nerve damage (also called neuropathic pain)
In some cases, chronic pain can have a psychological source. Muscle pain, fatigue, and headaches can be reactions to unexpressed emotions or needs. This unconscious conversion of a mental state into physical symptoms is known as somatization.
People who somaticize feel actual physical pain, not imagined pain. Their symptoms may be severe enough to affect work, relationships, and daily life. Stress and worry resulting from the symptoms tend to cause an individual’s condition to worsen. A person with somatic symptoms may wish to see a therapist in addition to a health care provider.
HOW COMMON IS CHRONIC PAIN?
In 2016, 20% of adults in the United States had chronic pain. Around 8% reported high-impact chronic pain that limited at least one major activity in their lives (such as work). Estimates suggest chronic pain costs the U.S. $560 billion each year.
In America, chronic pain is more common among:
- Older adults
- Women
- Non-Hispanic white people*
- Individuals in poverty
- People who are unemployed after previously having a job
- Military veterans*
*Veterans and white people have much higher rates of general chronic pain. However, they show no differences regarding high-impact chronic pain.
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