Chronic pain is considered pain that persists for more than 3 months. This condition takes a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. This condition can be due to a variety of underlying issues in the body, that can stem from musculoskeletal, neurological, or inflammatory injury. Additionally, chronic pain can also persist even after the tissue has healed. Physiotherapy can help support recovery from chronic pain, by helping to regain function and endurance to perform daily activities pain-free.
Common Conditions Causing Chronic Pain
There are numerous causes for chronic pain, some include:
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative condition in which cartilage destruction causes rubbing of the bones (leading to a cracking/grinding sound), resulting in pain, swelling, morning stiffness, and loss of motion. The most common joints affected are the knee, hip, joints of thumb, toe or fingers, and spine. Physiotherapy helps manage inflammation and pain by educating on pain management and joint protection strategies. A physiotherapist also works on improving the mobility of the joints through manual therapy and exercises, while incorporate strength training to prevent further deterioration of the condition.
Low Back Pain
Low back pain can be due to multiple causes that can include but not limited to disc herniation, spinal stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and sprains or strains. Physiotherapy can help manage pain and improve spinal mobility and core strength through electrotherapy, nerve glides, mobilization, and exercise therapy. Posture correction plays a crucial role in chronic back pain. Due to pain, one tends to compensate through postural change, leading to weakness of some muscles and tightness of others.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects multiple muscles and soft tissue throughout the body. Fatigue, tenderness, hypersensitivity, sleep, and emotional disturbance are common symptoms of Fibromyalgia. A physiotherapist can prescribe gentle exercises and low-impact endurance training which helps mental and physical well-being. Heat therapy and gentle soft tissue release can also help ease pain.
Migraines and Tension Headaches
While chronic headaches can be deliberating, one should consult a healthcare practitioner to know the root cause. Chronic headaches can be a result of musculoskeletal issues related to postural stress, neck stiffness, and
TMJ dysfunction. Acute neck injuries such as whiplash from a motor vehicle accident can also contribute to longstanding headaches. Moreover, stretching, posture correction, and manual therapy can help reduce the frequency of headaches.
Many other chronic conditions can be managed through physiotherapy, which would potentially include education on pain management, strength and conditioning exercises, manual therapy, and electrotherapy. If you are suffering from chronic pain consult a physiotherapist and explore the treatment options tailored to your needs.
