What is chronic pain?

Pain is your body's way of warning you that something may be wrong. Pain can affect your emotions as well as your body. When pain lasts longer than 3 months, it is called chronic pain.

Chronic pain can occur anywhere in your body. It can range from being mild and annoying to being so bad that it gets in the way of your daily activities.

Anyone can get chronic pain. It's more common in older adults, but it's not a normal part of aging. Older adults are more likely to have long-term medical problems, such as diabetes or arthritis, which can lead to ongoing pain.

Common symptoms of chronic pain include mild to very bad pain that does not go away as expected after an illness or injury. It may be shooting, burning, or aching. Or it may feel like an electrical shock. You may also feel sore, tight, or stiff.

Your doctor can find out if you have chronic pain by asking about your past illnesses and your overall health. Your doctor will also do a physical exam and look for areas that are tender, weak, or numb.

Your doctor may ask you about your pain including:

• When did your pain start?
• How long does your pain last?
• What makes your pain better or worse?

Your doctor may also want to know if your pain disrupts your daily activities, sleep, or mood.

You also may be asked to keep a pain diary.

You may have tests to find out if a health problem is causing the pain. Your doctor may check for problems with your nervous system and may order imaging tests.

It's important to make a treatment plan with your doctor. It may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief.

There are many treatments you can try to manage your pain. Often people think of taking medicine to treat pain. But there are many non-medicine treatments that may be just as helpful.

Treatment options may include:

• Physical treatments. These can be things like physical therapy or massage.
• Behavioral health treatments. These are things like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Over-the-counter pain medicines. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
• Other medicines. These are medicines like anticonvulsants or certain antidepressants that can help with chronic pain. Sometimes medicines you put on your skin may be used.
• Injections. Shots like a nerve block may be tried.
• Surgery. For example, spinal cord stimulation may be helpful.
• Going to a pain management clinic.

• Pace yourself. Break up large jobs into smaller tasks. Save harder tasks for days when you have less pain, or go back and forth between hard tasks and easier ones. Take rest breaks.
• Relax, and reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help.
• Keep moving. Gentle, daily exercise can help reduce pain over the long run. Try low- or no-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and stationary biking. Do stretches to stay flexible.
• Try heat, cold packs, and massage.
• Get enough sleep. Chronic pain can make you tired and drain your energy. Talk with your doctor if you have trouble sleeping because of pain.
• Think positive. Your thoughts can affect your pain level. Do things that you enjoy to distract yourself when you have pain instead of focusing on the pain. See a movie, read a book, listen to music, or spend time with a friend.
• If you think you are depressed, talk to your doctor about treatment.
• Keep a daily pain diary. Record how your moods, thoughts, sleep patterns, activities, and medicine affect your pain. You may find that your pain is worse during or after certain activities or when you are feeling a certain emotion. Having a record of your pain can help you and your doctor find the best ways to treat your pain.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

Reducing constipation caused by pain medicine

• Talk to your doctor about a laxative. If a laxative doesn't work, your doctor may suggest a prescription medicine.
• Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
• If your doctor recommends it, get more exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. A daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement.