Chronic Pain Syndrome

WYLD EducationWYLD Health
Written By Nina Eghani

Chronic pain syndrome is when pain that lasts for three months or more does not go away as expected after an injury or illness. The presentation of chronic pain syndrome varies between individuals. In fact 1 of 6 New Zealanders suffer from chronic pain syndrome. This pain can vary between mild to severe and intermittent to constant. This pain is very difficult to treat and medications alone may not solve the problem. This pain can become debilitating and it can impact one's emotional and physical wellbeing. 

It is believed that chronic pain syndrome causes the nerves to become over-sensitive and send warning signals to the brain even when there is no injury or the original injury causing pain has healed. 

Symptoms of chronic pain syndrome include:

Chronic Pain Syndrome

  1. Unresolving pain lasting for more than 3 months

Fatigue

2. Fatigue

Sleeping problems

3. Trouble sleeping 

Back pain

4. Difficulty leading an active lifestyle ie: going to the gym

5. Weakened immune system 

Chronic Pain relief

6. Disability

New Market Chiropractor

7. Low mood

How chronic pain is treated: 

1) Change the way you think about pain:

  • If pain is still persistent after three months, this indicates that pain is no longer a response to tissue injury. Instead of reacting to the pain it is important to respond to the pain. For example, have reassuring thoughts about it not causing harm, have positive thoughts on what you can do to manage the pain. 

2) Stay active: 

  • For most types of pain, moving more and getting more exercise such as walking, swimming and gentle stretching can help improve muscle strength and reduce pain and stiffness. 

3) Pace yourself: 

  • Avoid doing too much on “good days” and space your activities out so that you don’t fatigue. 

4) Identify triggers: 

  • This can include alcohol, stress, anxiety and over-exertion. Then finding a method to remove or reduce these triggers. 

5) Chiropractic:

  • As mentioned previously faulty signals are sent to the brain due to the nerves being sensitized potentially due to an old injury. Chiropractic adjustments are known to have a direct impact on the nervous system. It tones down unnecessary signals being sent to the brain which may cause the brain to perceive these signals inaccurately hence being a contributing factor towards chronic pain.

Here To Help

If you are suffering with Chronic Pain Syndrome, our WYLD chiropractors are here to help.

Our Approach For Chiropractic Care

  • Gentle and effective treatment

  • Comfort with state of the art Chiropractic equipment

  • Safe for people of all ages

What To Expect At Your First Chiropractic Visit

An initial Chiropractic exam will typically have three parts: a consultation, case history, and physical examination.

Laboratory analysis and X-ray examination may be performed.

  1. Consultation. The patient meets with the chiropractor and provides a brief synopsis of lifestyle factors and concerns, such as:

    • Duration and frequency of symptoms

    • Description of the symptoms (e.g. burning, throbbing)

    • Areas of pain

    • What makes the pain feel better (e.g. sitting, stretching)

    • What makes the pain feel worse (e.g. standing, lifting)

    • Lifestyle factors

  2. Case history. The chiropractor identifies the area(s) of complaint and the nature of the stress involved by asking questions and learning more about different areas of the patient's history, including:

    • Family history

    • Dietary habits

    • Past history of other treatments (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical and other)

    • Occupational history

    • Psychosocial history

    • Other areas to probe, often based on responses to above questions

    • Physical examination. A chiropractor may utilize a variety of methods to determine the spinal segments that require chiropractic treatments, including but not limited to static and motion palpation techniques determining spinal segments that are hypo mobile (restricted in their movement) or fixated. Depending on the results of the above examination, a chiropractor may use additional diagnostic tests, such as:

      1. X-ray to locate subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra)

      2. A device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation.

        Chiropractors are trained in a variety of methods to assess the underlying cause of the problem, including:

        1. Evaluation and management services. Chiropractors are trained in examining the joints, bones, muscles and tendons of the spine, head, extremities and other areas of the body with the purpose of noting any misalignment, tenderness, asymmetry, defects or other problems.

          Neurologic and other common physical examination procedures. Chiropractors are trained to perform a variety of neurologic tests (nerve root compression/tension, motor strength, coordination, deep tendon and pathological reflexes, etc.) and are skilled in performing orthopedic, cardiovascular and many other common examinations.

          Specialised assessment. Chiropractors are trained to assess range of motion, stability, muscle strength, muscle tone and other assessments with the lower back.

          Common diagnostic studies. Chiropractors are trained in use of diagnostic studies and tools such as radiography (X-rays), laboratory diagnostics and neurodiagnostics.

 
 
Nina Eghani
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