chronic pain

Chronic pain is medically defined as pain that has lasted 6 months or longer.This constant or intermittent pain has often outlived its purpose, as it does not help the body to prevent injury.It is often more difficult to treat than acute pain.Expert physician care is generally necessary to treat any pain that has become chronic.When opioids are used for prolonged periods drug tolerance, chemical dependency and even psychological addiction may occur.Chemical dependency is common among opioid users; however, psychological addiction is rare. Apparent drug tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of opioids may occur, but is usually associated with increasing progression of the underlying disease rather than an actual decrease in efficacy of the drug ? stat.washington.edu.

Causes - Chronic pain is essentially caused by the bombardment of the central nervous system (CNS) with nociceptionnociceptive impulses, which causes changes in the neural response.The pain subsequently provokes changes in the behaviour of the patient, and the development of fear-avoidance strategies.As a result, the patient may also become physically atrophied and deconditioned.However, it is important to remember that chronic pain is multifactorial, involving psychologypsychological, physical and social factors.

Types - There are various types of chronic pain- malignant and non-malignant. Cancer pain can be from the cancer itself and from treatment. Non-malignant pain includes arthrtitis, neuropathy/neuralgia, back pain from injury or disorders (cervical stenosis, degenerative disc disease, other disc disorders, etc), migraines and other types of headaches, abdominal pain from chronic pancreatitis, bowel disorders, etc; pelvic pain from various conditions (endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, etc); and also diffuse conditions such as fibromyalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, lupus and other systemic autoimmune/connective tissue conditions, multiple sclerosis and some other neuromuscular conditions. Chronic pain basically can be anywhere in the body, this is just a list of some of the conditions that affect people long term (usually longer than 6 months).

External links -

!lower-back-pain-answers.com - Lower Back Pain Answers

theacpa.org - American Chronic Pain Association

spine-health.com - Chronic Pain as a Disease: Why does it still hurt?

painfoundation.org - American Pain Foundationmed-stub !Category:NociceptionCategory:P ain

ElectroRegenesis.com.au
Medical Devices using Ultra Low frequencies to heal and regenerate the body - creating an antioxidant effect.
http://electroregenesis.com.au/

Natural Rehab Therapy
Neuromuscular massage therapy for pain related soft tissue, limited range-of-motion joint/vertebral problems, sciatica, carpal tunnel,TMJ, headaches, trigger point therapy. Full Body massage for relaxation/stress. Motion X-Ray available with Dr. perscription, Bone Density Test for Osteoporosis also.
http://www.naturalrehab.com/

Albion Hills Physiotherapy in Bolton
A multi-disciplinary clinic offering the services of physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
http://www.albionhillsphysio.com/

Largest source of reliable time tested foreign-Mexican-Canadian and Asian Pharmacies online
Reliable information about online pharmacies, online prescriptions, online physicians, foreign pharmacies, and buying prescription drugs online.
http://www.endlessmeds.com/

Postural Orthopedics
A system of therapeutics for relief of chronic pain and reduction of spinal scoliosis by reduction of postural stress by use of 1) a heel lift to level the pelvis, measured radiographically, 2) foot orthotics to correct flattened feet and rolled-in ankles, and 3) gentle manual manipulation to reduce accumulated restriction reflective of prior postural imbalance and superimposed traumas.
http://www.posturalrelief.org/

www.brighamwalker.com
Brigham & Associates is the leader in impairment evaluation & AMA Guides traning.
http://www.brighamwalker.com/

American Chronic Pain Association
Information is provided concerning services, conditions and pain management issues. Offers medical resources, suggests relevant literature, and lists details about other professional organizations.
http://www.theacpa.org/

Worldwide Congress on Pain
Extensive online library of pain articles, 'ask the expert' columns, a forum, and an international directory of pain clinics, and daily news, for patients and practitioners.
http://www.pain.com/

North American Chronic Pain Association of Canada
A national directory of pain clinics and specialists. Provides an educational and advocacy resource, forums, chats and online conferences.
http://www.chronicpaincanada.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Information on neurological and nuerodevelopmental disorders from a leading supporter of biomedical research on the brain and nervous system.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Our Chronic Pain Mission
As well as offering pain management information and support, this site also provides resources, a chat facility, and the ability to post messages to an online doctor.
http://www.cpmission.com