Chronic pain can be described as a progressive discomfort of varying degrees, from mild up to severe. Chronic pain can be caused by a chronic condition and is more persistent than acute pain. Millions of people are affected by chronic pain. It is important to effectively combat chronic pain. Chronic pain management services are important for reducing or eliminating pain.

Pain management specialists assist patients in adopting a multifaceted method of treating pain. Also, they teach patients how to deal with chronic pain. Each patient has different pain tolerance levels, and different reactions to chronic pain. These programs are customized for each individual.

Chronic pains can include chronic lower-back and headache pain, cancer pain, and thyroid conditions. Chronic pain is often caused by autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid conditions such as Graves' disease, genetic disorders, such as multiples sclerosis, neck or back trauma, or less-defined disorders, such as fibromyalgia.

Chronic pain is typically managed through medical methods, alternative therapies or psychological approaches. Two medical approaches are available - medication treatment and surgical interventions. Medications prescribed by doctors for pain management can include anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs, steroids to reduce inflammation and muscle relaxants. Anti-anxiety medications or muscle relaxants are also used to relieve tension.

These include: individual/family therapies, cold and hot therapy, biofeedback massage, chiropractic and Acupuncture massage, breathing exercise, self-hypnosis, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). The therapies do not work immediately and need regular practice.

Exercise, stretching, and physical therapy help reduce chronic joint pain, muscle soreness, and spasms. They do this by increasing flexibility, strength, and tone. In addition to medications and therapy, psychological treatment is useful for anxiety and depression. It also helps manage the emotional side effects of chronic back pain.

Other side effects of pain medication and other drugs are nausea, fatigue and dizziness. While chronic pain management is not a cure-all, it can help reduce the level of pain and thus improve your quality.