Chronic Pain: Treating the Invisible Disorder By Adam Breiner, ND and Mark A. Breiner, DDS
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lmost all of us have encountered pain at some point, usually in its acute form. However, chronic pain is different and can frequently lead to restricted mobility, problems concentrating, sleep troubles, and depression. Chronic pain is an invisible illness that impacts millions in the U.S. Science has achieved significant advancements to help those affected by this sometimesdebilitating problem. At the Breiner Whole-Body Health Center, we are focused on technological advances in the industry and remain hopeful about the future; we continue to offer superior treatments for chronic conditions that provide real, lasting results. What Is Chronic Pain? Chronic pain is an issue whose source may or may not be obvious but may become a persistent condition over time. Describing pain is difficult as everyone experiences it differently; however, it is always an unpleasant and disruptive experience. “Chronic” refers to something persistent that may have lasted for three months or more (even years). Chronic pain is a physical burden that can remain invisible to the naked eye. When you injure a body part, pain signals are triggered to make you aware of the situation. Acute pains commonly result from abrasions, burns, cuts, fractures, and surgical or dental procedures. When the injury heals, the pain signal stabilizes. With chronic pains, the signal does not switch off but rather worsens as time passes and can interfere with your daily life. Chronic pain is widespread in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 50 million Americans, or just over 20 percent, have some form of chronic pain. The constant pain leaves you troubled both physically and emotionally. For this reason, experienced healthcare professionals apply a multi-tiered approach for managing chronic pain in individuals of all ages and pains of all levels. Common Conditions Associated with Chronic Pain Four common conditions associated with chronic pain and are very different from acute pain: • Back Pain: Chronic back pain is widespread and a critical public health problem in the country. It can result from soft
tissue degeneration, compression or spinal wounds, and twisting or lifting injuries. Weak abdominal muscles can also result in chronic low back pain. Back pain is one of the preeminent causes of lost productivity and absenteeism in the United States. The statistics are alarming: Approximately 20% of people in the United States experience acute lower back pain that becomes chronic over time, and more than 80% of people suffer from back issues at some point in their lives. A sedentary lifestyle accounts for nearly 54% of the cases, with approximately 5% requiring surgery. Moreover, back pain accounts for the third most common reason people repeatedly visit a doctor after skin disorders and joint problems, and treatment costs incur more than a hundred billion dollars annually. • Headaches: You can experience different types of headaches, all with varying intensity, symptoms, and treatment options. A common headache may last for a few minutes or several hours and occur occasionally. However, chronic headaches are throbbing, persistent, and one of the most disabling conditions. Common chronic headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, eye strain, and those due to muscular tension. In the United States alone, nearly 40 million people are affected by chronic headaches, while the prevalence rate remains more among women than men. • Joint Pain: Joint pain frequently arises due to physical injuries, overuse, infections, loss of cartilage, and aging. The symptoms may present themselves through persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling around the affected joint. The most common chronic joint pains American adults experience include arthritis, bursitis, and repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis or golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee, and shoulder impingement. Arthritis affects more than 54 million American adults, limiting nearly 24 million people from performing their daily activities to the fullest. Those who have arthritis can experience terrible, tearing pain that never ends, particularly when left neglected or treated ineffectively. The elderly, overweight people, and those leading a sedentary lifestyle may be more at risk. www.NaturalNutmeg.com
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