Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

by Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Consultant – Pain Clinic.

Living with pain that doesn’t go away can take a toll on your body and mind. While occasional pain after an injury or illness is normal, chronic pain lasts for weeks, months, or even years. It affects millions of people worldwide, limiting daily activities and reducing quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward managing it effectively.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that persists for more than 12 weeks, even after the original injury or illness has healed. Unlike acute pain, which acts as a warning signal, chronic pain often lingers and becomes a condition in itself.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to long-lasting pain, including:

• Musculoskeletal problems – such as arthritis, back pain, and neck pain
• Nerve damage (neuropathic pain) – often due to diabetes, injury, or spinal issues
• Post-surgical or post-trauma pain
• Chronic illnesses – such as fibromyalgia or cancer
• Lifestyle factors – poor posture, sedentary habits, or repetitive strain

Sometimes, the exact cause cannot be identified, making management even more challenging.

Symptoms to Watch For

Chronic pain isn’t only about physical discomfort. It can also affect mood, sleep, and energy levels. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent pain in the back, neck, joints, or muscles
• Burning, tingling, or shooting pain
• Stiffness and limited mobility
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Anxiety, stress, or depression

Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

Effective pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach, often tailored to each patient. Treatment options include:

1. Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs, paracetamol)
• Prescription drugs for nerve pain or severe cases
• Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medicines

2. Interventional Pain Procedures

• Nerve blocks to interrupt pain signals
• Epidural injections for spine-related pain
• Radiofrequency ablation for chronic back or joint pain

3. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

• Strengthening and flexibility exercises
• Posture correction and mobility training
• Techniques to restore function without worsening pain

4. Lifestyle Modifications

• Balanced diet and weight management
• Regular low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga
• Stress management through relaxation techniques or meditation

5. Psychological Support

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Counseling to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression related to chronic pain

When to See a Pain Specialist

If your pain:

• Persists for more than 3 months
• Interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Doesn’t improve with basic medicines or home care

…it’s time to consult a pain management doctor. Specialists can provide advanced options that go beyond routine treatments.

The Bottom Line

Chronic pain is not something you should “just live with.” With timely medical support, lifestyle adjustments, and the right treatment plan, you can reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

At Moolchand , our team, led by experts like Dr. Neha Chaudhary, provides personalized, evidence-based solutions for managing chronic pain effectively.