Chronic Pain Management & What You Need to Know

Posted on

May 05, 2021

share-this
Share This
For More Information on Coastal Orthopedics, CLICK HERE.

What is Chronic Pain?
The term chronic pain, also known as intractable pain, is used to describe pain that is ongoing, or intermittent, over a period of several months or even years. The pain may feel dull or sharp and cause an aching or burning sensation in the affected area. Sometimes caused by an old injury or disease, chronic pain can also occur without any apparent underlying cause.
Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Ranging from mild to severe, chronic pain may limit your flexibility, mobility, strength, and endurance, and it can make getting through your daily activities more challenging. This, then, often leads to bouts of depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the pain. Its important to learn how to manage chronic pain so you can still lead an active and healthy life.
Four Main Types of Chronic Pain
The different types of chronic pain generally fall into one of these four categories:

Neuropathic pain:This refers to pain caused by a malfunctioning nervous system or damage to the nervous system. Neuropathic pain is often characterized as a shooting or burning pain, such as sciatica, which is pain affecting the back, hip, upper to lower leg, and heel stemming from damage or injury to the sciatic nerve.


Muscle pain:Injury or deterioration of muscle tissue can cause pain in the lower back, shoulders, arms, neck, legs, hips, and feet. This type of pain is typically caused by injury or repetitive motion.


Inflammatory pain:Arthritis, infection, and tissue damage all fall under inflammatory pain. Symptoms may include swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area.


Mechanical pain:Mechanical pain is caused by pressure or compression of the bones, discs, ligaments, nerves, and joints associated with thespine. Typically affecting the lower back region, mechanical pain could be the result of fractures of the vertebrae or disc degeneration.

Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
The goal of treating and managing chronic pain is to reduce the pain so you can stay active and perform your daily activities without a great deal of discomfort. Depending on the overall condition of health, and the severity and frequency of your pain will determine the type of pain management plan that will work best for you.Pain managementtypically includes one or more of the following:

Medicine Such as pain relievers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants.


Therapy such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, low-impact exercise, behavioral therapy (meditation, stress reduction).


Alternative medicine such as acupuncture or massage.


Invasive treatments(for severe cases of chronic pain) such as surgery, electrical stimulation, or nerve blocks.

In addition to the above treatment options, its also important to take a holistic approach to managing your pain by incorporating a healthy, well-rounded diet, fitness plan, and relaxation techniques into your daily routine.
Managing Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can be hard, but it doesnt have to keep you down. Its important to make sure your lifestyle works in tandem with your treatment plan to keep your chronic pain manageable. Stay active and exercise often, stick to a regular bedtime routine, dont smoke or drink too much, and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, seek out friends and family for support and regularly enjoy your favorite activities to keep your mind off the pain.

Other Articles You May Like

A Special Visit: Meals on Wheels America President & CEO Joins Florida Chapter Conference

It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest  Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.

Help Fight Summer Hunger in Manatee County

As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.

Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: Volunteer Luncheon Honors Our Outstanding Volunteers

On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.