Chronic Pain and Medication

Difference between chronic and acute pain.

Acute pain is usually the result of an injury that causes tissue damage or swelling, or from a medical intervention such as a surgical operation. In most circumstances, acute pain fades as the injury or damaged area heals and lasts for only a few days or weeks. Acute pain is considered normal as it is a necessary form of pain that acts as an alarm system, stopping us from doing things that could cause further damage to our bodies.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, is usually a result of an injury from which the body has “recovered”, but the pain sensation still remains. Chronic pain can be classified as pain that continues for three months or more and unlike acute pain, continues beyond the point of healing. It’s for this reason that chronic pain can be quite distressing and can lead to other changes in the central nervous system and body. If pain of this type is addressed early, these changes can be reduced and people can return to normal function. Identifying what contributes to a person’s chronic pain is important when deciding the best tools to help. Pain relievers should be reviewed every 3 to 6 months. Your pharmacist or GP can also help to identify the type of pain you are experiencing and the best treatments to suit that pain.

The prevalence rises to one in three people for  those aged over 65. Injury is the leading trigger of chronic pain, with  the most common injuries resulting from playing sport, car accidents  and accidents at home or work.

Other ailments and conditions that can cause chronic pain include:
• Broken bones
• Virus infections such as shingles
• Trauma
• Joint problems such as arthritis
• Back injury
• Surgery in the spine
• Joint injury and surgery
• Surgery from cancer
• Internal organ operations such as prostate or bowel

Diabetes is also capable of causing chronic or persistent pain, as  the high level of blood sugar irritates and damages the nerves, creating  what is known as neuropathy – a form of nerve pain.

Any condition, even a small incident, that can cause a damaging  change in the body can give rise to the continuing sensation of pain. If  this pain lasts for longer than three months, we refer to this as  chronic or persistent pain.

Early diagnosis is essential so that you understand what is happening  to your body. It can be harmful if only the present symptoms are  treated rather than the underlying cause. Once you have been diagnosed,  it is important to quickly organise a treatment plan for your chronic  pain, including a focus on the treatment of the underlying cause.

You should seek help for persistent pain when:

• The pain has lingered for more than three months;
• The pain is not responding to usual simple treatment and;
• The pain is limiting your day-to-day function

 Like asthma or diabetes, chronic pain is treated as a long-term  condition and is not seen as a symptom that can be easily fixed, but a  condition that you can manage and control. Chronic pain management aims  to reduce pain to improve your function and to help you undertake your  daily activities and enjoy life despite pain. A chronic pain management  plan may require input from several specialists, your General  Practitioner (GP) and allied health professionals. As a starting point,  reach out to your GP or TanaPlaza Pharmacist for advice on managing your pain.