Understanding Chronic Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Impact

Chronic pain is more than just occasional aches and discomfort it’s pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute pain, which signals an injury and usually goes away as the body heals, chronic pain often persists even after the original cause has resolved.

This ongoing pain can interfere with your ability to work, enjoy social activities, and take care of yourself or your loved ones. It not only affects the body but also impacts emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

Symptoms of Chronic Pain

The symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity, but common ones include:

• Joint pain
• Muscle aches or stiffness
• Burning, throbbing, or shooting pain
• Fatigue and poor sleep
• Loss of stamina and flexibility due to reduced activity
• Mood changes such as anxiety, irritability, guilt, or depression
  

Causes of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be linked to many conditions, injuries, or even unknown factors. Some common causes include:

• Arthritis and joint problems
• Back pain from spinal issues or injuries
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle strains, sprains, or repetitive stress injuries
• Fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Infections such as Lyme disease
  
  
• Digestive issues like acid reflux, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis
• Past injuries or surgeries that left lasting pain

Living with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is complex; it doesn't just affect the body, but also mental health and daily life. Many people with chronic pain report feelings of frustration, isolation, or hopelessness. The good news is that there are treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage symptoms, including:

• Physical therapy and exercise tailored to your condition
• Medications for pain relief and inflammation
• Stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga
• Counseling or support groups to help cope emotionally

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today! 

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan can help . 

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021  Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005  Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

 In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.