Chronic Pain Syndrome After an Injury: How to Get Relief

If you experience an injury, it can be life-altering. While some injuries heal quickly, others can lead to chronic pain syndrome (CPS), a condition where pain persists long after the initial injury has healed.

This ongoing pain can be physically and emotionally draining, affecting every aspect of your life. Our team at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute, led by Ronak D. Patel, MD, has the expertise and experience to help you understand how to manage chronic pain syndrome so you can regain control and improve your quality of life.

Chronic pain syndrome explained

Chronic pain syndrome occurs when pain continues for longer than six months after an injury or surgery, even though the body has physically healed. Unlike acute pain, which is a direct result of tissue damage and typically resolves as the body recovers, chronic pain is more complex.

It often involves changes in the nervous system, which can cause the body to continue signaling pain even in the absence of an ongoing injury. This type of pain can be constant or intermittent, mild or severe, and it can occur in any part of the body. 

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Muscle aches

Over time, chronic pain can lead to other issues like anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and decreased mobility.

Effective strategies for relief

While chronic pain syndrome can be challenging to manage, several strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning, such as:

1. Medication management

Medication management includes over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can be helpful for mild pain. However, in more severe cases, we may recommend prescription medications, which you must use as directed and be mindful of potential side effects.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a personalized exercise program that helps strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Regular physical activity can also release endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers, which in turn can help boost your mood and reduce your perception of pain.

3. Other nonsurgical treatments

When you come to Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute for relief, we may recommend one or more nonsurgical approaches, which include:

• Pain medications and anti-inflammatories
• Chiropractic care
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections)
• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Trigger point injections
• Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Medical marijuana

We tailor treatment plans to your specific condition and needs.

4. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that can exacerbate chronic pain. By learning how to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, you can reduce the emotional impact of pain. CBT can also help you develop coping strategies to better handle pain when it flares up.

5. Lifestyle modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage chronic pain. Aim to maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep. In addition, explore practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can, in turn, reduce pain levels.

6. Support

Dealing with chronic pain syndrome can be isolating, but it's important to seek support. When you connect with others who understand what you're going through, whether via a support group or online community, you can receive emotional comfort and practical advice.

Chronic pain syndrome after an injury can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to define your life. By exploring the different treatment options we offer and finding what works best, you can regain control and live a fulfilling life despite the challenges of chronic pain.

If you suffer from chronic pain after an injury, book an appointment today at our nearest office in Plainsboro Township, Manalapan, or Freehold, New Jersey. Call us today at 609-269-4451 or book an appointment online any time, day or night.