Weekend doctor: Chronic pain
By Thomas Kindl, MD
When hearing the term “chronic pain,” many people can quickly mention a friend or family member who had to stop their favorite hobby because of it.
Chronic pain varies in intensity and frequency, affecting over 100 million Americans. Some experience chronic pain constantly, while others only feel it in episodes. Though many people have heard of it, few can accurately define the condition and fully understand the effects chronic pain can have.
According to the American Chronic Pain Association chronic pain is defined as, “ongoing or recurrent pain, lasting beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury or more than three to six months, and which adversely affects the individual’s well-being.”
Any person experiencing noticeable pain for more than three months, regardless of age, is suffering from chronic pain. Pain can originate from a wide variety of sources. When it comes to chronic pain, the primary sources are joint pain, neck pain, back pain, headaches or injury-related pain.
Those who are suffering from chronic pain experience symptoms of constantly feeling an ache ranging from mild to severe, shooting or burning types of pain, or extended feelings of soreness, stiffness or tightness.
Aside from the obvious physical issues caused by chronic pain, many individuals also report psychological struggles. These struggles include fatigue, mood changes, stress, anxiety, depression, irritability or restless nights of sleep.
If you are worried that you or someone you know is experiencing chronic pain, it is in your best interest to contact a pain management specialist.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024
- Ticket and livestream info for Bluffton Pirates v. Patrick Henry football
- Service of thanks at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran
- Pirate girls basketball beats Hornets in McDonald’s opener
- 100+ voices in Bluffton's Handel's Messiah chorus
- Pirate Worcester named top district defender
- BVHS receives Level 7 achievement in ‘Most Wired’ survey
Thursday, November 21, 2024
- McDonald’s Holiday Tournament, Thursday, November 21
- 2024 Fall Festival in pictures: At the Schumacher Homestead
- Fairy I. Parkins was postmaster of Benton Ridge
- Council committee and residents discuss ADUs, best and worst case scenarios
- BPL hosts Open Crafts and Game Space, November 26
- Women in Business meet November 21
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, Nov. 13-19
- ODOT prepping for first snow of the season
- Mason named OBL 2024 Banker of the Year
- October 2024 land transfers in Bluffton school district
- November chamber meeting explores member news, Blaze plans and flag etiquette
- Bluffton EMS by the numbers: October 2024
- Children left unattended in running vehicles can lead to abductions
- Icon search function goes from 0 to 30
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Tickets and streaming information for Nov. 22 Pirate football playoff game
- Spirit Bus for November 22 football playoff in Findlay
- Tea Bag Exchange & Tasting at BPL, November 21
- Letter: University students learn about Fair Trade
- Join volunteer crew for 2024 Ream Display-Blaze of Lights setup
- Village of Bluffton asks for updated utility billing contact information