Chronic Pain FAQs

More than 100 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain each year–that’s more people than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. The most common types of pain are lower back pain, neck pain, headaches and facial pain.

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the effects of pain and educating people about the treatment options available. In honor of Pain Awareness Month, we compiled a list of frequently asked questions about chronic pain.

What treatment options are available for lower back pain?

Lower back pain is one of the most common orthopedic conditions. For patients in need of medical intervention, there are many back pain treatment options available. In addition to conservative, non-invasive approaches like physical therapy, braces, exercise and pain medication, interventional physiatry and back surgery can treat lower back pain.

What types of neck pain relief are available?

Depending on your diagnosis, nonsurgical treatment options like physical therapy, anti-inflammatories epidurals and steroid injections can provide neck pain relief. Surgical procedures such as laminectomy, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), radiofrequency ablation, compression fracture treatments and spinal cord stimulation are also available.

What treatment options are available for chronic headaches and migraines?

A headache is characterized by pain on one or both sides of the head and can vary depending on the type. Tension headaches, for example, are the most common type of headaches and are characterized by mild to moderate pain or pressure in the head. Migraines, on the other hand, are chronic headaches and can last for hours or even days. In addition to medication, radiofrequency ablation is one type of treatment option for patients with chronic headaches and migraines.

What treatment options are available for patients with arthritis?

Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, fatigue, joint inflammation, redness or stiffness, decreased range of motion and fever. Depending on your type of arthritis, treatment options can include medication, corticosteroids, alternative therapies, supplements, exercise, weight loss and surgery, including arthroscopy.

Orthopedic specialists offer a wide range of treatment options for patients with chronic pain. If you or someone you love is suffering from chronic pain, contact us for more information and expert recommendations on the right course of treatment.