What is CHRONIC Pain?

Chronic pain is often defined as pain that lasts longer than 3 to 6 months. It can be pain that persists long after an initial injury or illness has healed. Or, the pain could arise due to underlying health conditions.

Whatever the cause, chronic pain can make it difficult to carry out everyday responsibilities, as well as perform daily functions, like sleeping. It can be isolating and difficult to treat without the right diagnosis.

Chronic pain can arise from various causes, including:

  • Injuries: Including back injuries and repetitive strain injuries
  • Surgeries: Post-surgery pain that persists
  • Health conditions: Arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathy, and other pain-causing conditions
  • Unknown causes: Sometimes, despite exhaustive tests, the cause of chronic pain remains unknown

Unlike acute pain, which is immediate and often linked to a visible injury, chronic pain can persist without any visible signs. This can make it challenging to diagnose and difficult to explain, but there’s hope for treatment with Optima Medical.

Chronic Pain Treatment

The journey of managing chronic pain is unique to each individual. At our clinic, we believe in a holistic approach that addresses the root causes, as well as the emotional and psychological impact of ongoing pain.

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Our experts begin with a thorough assessment to understand the nature, duration, and triggers of your pain. This forms the foundation for your personalized treatment plan.
  • Medication Management: For some, prescription pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can be beneficial. We prescribe responsibly, ensuring that patients understand the risks and benefits of their medications.
  • Physical Therapy: Guided exercises can strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Our therapists work closely with patients to tailor exercises to their specific needs.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body—it impacts the mind. CBT can help patients address the emotional and psychological facets of pain, equipping them with coping mechanisms.
  • Interventional Procedures: Techniques such as nerve blocks or injections can provide targeted relief for certain types of pain.
  • Alternative Therapies: Approaches like acupuncture, massage therapy, or biofeedback might be beneficial for some patients, either as standalone treatments or in conjunction with other therapies.
  • Patient Education: We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. By understanding their condition, patients can make informed decisions and actively engage in treatment. 

Optima Medical Chronic Pain Management Program

Any Optima Medical location can provide chronic pain management. If you’re feeling chronic pain and want to get to the root of its cause for successful treatment, visit us to receive:

  • First, patients receive an initial comprehensive evaluation, including a review of detailed medical history, associated symptoms and social behaviors. Patients also receive subsequent ongoing evaluation diagnosis.
  • Comprehensive bloodwork evaluation
  • Interdisciplinary multimodal pain management
  • Initial therapy weekly, then every 2 weeks
  • Maintenance monthly
  • Your provider will review results
  • Receive a dedicated care manager
  • Get a re-evaluation of interventions
  • Connect with various specialists, depending on condition

Chronic pain can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Our dedicated team at Optima Medical Clinic is committed to walking alongside you, providing expertise, understanding, and the latest in pain management techniques. Together, we aim to reclaim the joy and comfort of a life less dominated by pain.

Chronic Pain FAQs

Q: What differentiates chronic pain from acute pain?

A: Acute pain typically arises immediately after an injury and is usually linked to a specific cause or trauma. It serves as a warning of disease or a threat to the body and tends to subside once the underlying cause is treated. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists long after the initial injury or cause has healed, often lasting for 3 months or more. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is not just a symptom, but becomes a health condition in itself, sometimes persisting without a clear cause.

Q: Why is it important to treat chronic pain holistically?

A: Chronic pain affects more than just the physical aspect of an individual; it impacts emotional and mental well-being, too. A holistic approach recognizes this interconnectedness and addresses not only the physical pain but also the psychological and emotional stressors associated with it. Treating chronic pain holistically ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that tackles the root causes and provides them with coping mechanisms and strategies for overall well-being.

Q: Can chronic pain ever be completely cured, or is it only managed?

A: The possibility of a complete cure for chronic pain largely depends on its cause and the individual’s unique circumstances. In some cases, when the underlying cause is identified and treated, the pain can be eliminated. However, for many, chronic pain becomes a condition they manage throughout their lives. With proper treatment and management techniques, the intensity and impact of pain can be significantly reduced, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Q: How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help in chronic pain management?

A: CBT is a psychological treatment that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For chronic pain sufferers, CBT can provide tools and strategies to cope with pain, reduce stress and anxiety associated with pain, and improve overall quality of life. By addressing the emotional and psychological components of pain, CBT empowers patients to approach their pain in constructive ways, mitigating its impact on their daily lives.

Book an appointment now

Our team at Optima Medical is ready to support you with chronic pain management in Phoenix. Find an Optima Medical location near you, and make an appointment.