Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

By Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Consultant – Pain Clinic, Moolchand Hospital
Published on October 2025 | New Delhi

Introduction

Living with pain that doesn’t go away can take a toll on both 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 worldwide, limiting daily activities and reducing quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward effective management.

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 warns of harm, chronic pain often lingers and becomes a condition in itself—sometimes without a clear cause.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Several medical and lifestyle factors can contribute to long-term pain, including:

• Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, back pain, and neck pain
• Nerve damage (neuropathic pain) from diabetes, injury, or spinal disorders
• Post-surgical or post-trauma pain
• Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia or cancer
• Lifestyle factors including poor posture, prolonged sitting, or repetitive strain

In some patients, the cause remains unidentified, which makes tailored pain management even more important.

Symptoms to Watch For

Chronic pain is not just physical—it can also impact emotional and mental well-being. Common symptoms include:

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

Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

Effective pain control requires a multidisciplinary approach, often customized for each individual.

1. Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs or paracetamol
• Prescription medicines for nerve pain or severe discomfort
• Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory agents

2. Interventional Pain Procedures

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

3. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Posture correction and mobility improvement
• Restorative therapy to regain function without aggravating pain

4. Lifestyle Modifications

• Balanced diet and healthy weight maintenance
• Regular low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga
• Stress management through meditation or relaxation techniques

5. Psychological Support

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Counselling to manage anxiety, depression, and emotional distress associated with chronic pain

When to See a Pain Specialist

Consult a pain management doctor if your pain:

• Persists for more than three months
• Disrupts daily activities or sleep
• Does not improve with regular medicines or home remedies

Pain specialists offer advanced diagnostic tools and targeted treatments that go beyond routine care.

The Bottom Line

Chronic pain should never be ignored or accepted as “normal.” With timely medical support, lifestyle adjustments, and comprehensive treatment, patients can regain comfort, function, and peace of mind.

At Moolchand, our Pain Clinic led by Dr. Neha Chaudhary provides personalized, evidence-based care designed to restore mobility and improve quality of life—because at Moolchand, we do what’s right for you.