Question 1

What causes chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

When you live with chronic pain, it can actually change the way the nerve cells in your brain transmit information. These changes can leave you extra sensitive to pain signals and cause you to experience persistent pain anywhere in your body that affects your quality of life.
 
Chronic pain is often the result of an underlying medical condition. In some cases, pain begins gradually but can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. As your condition gets worse, the pain can persist and interfere with your mobility.
 
The most common causes of chronic pain include:
 
 • Lupus
 • Shingles
 • Fibromyalgia
 • Osteoarthritis
 • Neuropathy
 • Nerve compression
 • Rheumatoid arthritis
 • Complex regional pain syndrome
If you’ve had surgery, you can develop chronic pain from the trauma of the procedure. Advanced-stage cancer can also cause chronic pain.

Question 2

When should I seek treatment for chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

Whenever you have pain that lasts longer than three months, you should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Upadhyay to determine its root cause.
 
You should also seek treatment if you become limited in what you can do at home and at work because of chronic pain. If you’re unable to be physically active or lose your mobility, Dr. Upadhyay can create a treatment plan to reduce your pain and help you live a happier, healthier life.

Question 3

What treatments are available for chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

To address all types of chronic pain conditions, Dr. Upadhyay offers a wide range of treatments that he customizes to meet your needs. In-office options available for treating chronic pain include:
 
Medication
 
Depending on the severity of your pain and its cause, Dr. Upadhyay tailors pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication to meet your needs. He also offers medication management services to reduce your risk of side effects and complications.
 
Nutraceuticals
 
Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements that come from food sources that provide health benefits in addition to their nutritional value. These products contain antioxidants and other components that can relieve pain and inflammation and reduce your risk of developing some chronic diseases.
 
Neuromodulation
 
Neuromodulation is a treatment that uses a small device to deliver low-voltage electrical currents into your spine or nervous system. The electricity disrupts pain signals traveling to your brain. Spinal cord stimulation is a common type of neuromodulation that allows you to control the electrical currents using an external remote to treat chronic pain as it develops.
 
Mexiletine therapy
 
Mexiletine, sold under the brand names Mexitil® and NaMuscla®, is an anesthetic that treats neuropathy (nerve damage), a common side effect of diabetes.
 
Dr. Upadhyay also works with a local chiropractor to provide physical therapy as part of your treatment for chronic pain.
 
To find out which chronic pain treatment is right for you, call the office of Aman Upadhyay, MD, nearest you or request an appointment online today.

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