We often write off aches and pains as a rite of passage once you hit a certain age. Your lower back will probably start to hurt from standing for too long and your knees might start to hurt if you sit for too long. In a lot of ways, this is normal and to be expected. However, people often confuse these normal aches and pains with the aches and pains associated with chronic pain conditions, and they suffer needlessly because of it

Do your symptoms qualify you for a chronic pain diagnosis?

It can be difficult to figure out determine if you have a legitimate chronic pain condition or if you are simply experiencing the typical aching woes that come with reaching a certain age. There are a few ways to assess yourself to figure out if you are experiencing the symptoms that define many chronic pain illnesses.

If every time you use a muscle you feel soreness or aching when you haven’t done any notable physical activity, redness or swelling this can be an indication of an underlying issue. Even more, if you feel aches and pains that are similar to the aches and pains that come along with the flu but without any of the other flu symptoms, this can also be indicative of an underlying pain issue. If you see redness and swelling in the areas that you feel pain, this can also be a symptom of an underlying pain issue. These symptoms are all indicators of a chronic pain condition, and the first step to feeling better is to see a pain treatment expert to first get the proper diagnosis.

What are some examples of a chronic pain condition?

There are endless conditions that cause chronic pain, but there are a few common illnesses that are common in older adults. For example, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is defined by several different kinds of pain from soreness to tenderness to nerve pain. It is incredibly difficult to diagnose but is getting easier and easier to recognize and treat. Another common chronic pain condition is rheumatoid arthritis in which joints in certain parts of the body are inflamed due to an autoimmune reaction causing pain, swelling, and redness. This pain condition can be localized to one area or cause pain in many joints.

Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

There are many different options for treatment of pain conditions. One of which is medication to treat the underlying issues, but medication is rarely enough to manage pain. Often, people find the most relief from going to a reliable and experienced physical therapist who specializes in treating the specific type of pain that they experience.

Overall, pain is a pain and you should never write off your pain as normal if it is affecting your day-to-day life. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so do not hesitate in seeking professional help from a doctor or qualified physical therapist to get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan.