When pain doesn’t go away, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. According to the CDC, in 2019, more than one in five Americans reported recently having chronic pain. In many cases, this problem significantly limited their life or work activities. 

Musculoskeletal conditions – ones that affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves – are very common sources of pain. That’s why a center such as MidAmerica Orthopaedics, which specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, is often the best place to seek treatment for pain stemming from these types of issues. A specialist who focuses on your particular problem will be familiar with pain management treatments that are the most likely to lead to a quicker recovery. 

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) 

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, over 100 million Americans struggle with chronic pain, which is defined as pain persisting for 12 weeks or longer. Unfortunately, the root cause of many patients’ chronic pain conditions is often unknown. For example, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition that is chronic and typically develops after a previous injury. It can affect many parts of the body: the hand, wrist, ankle, or foot, although in extreme cases the whole limb may be affected. Patients with CRPS often experience severe pain in just one limb, only suffering in one arm or one leg.  

While the primary symptom of CRPS is pain, there are many other possible symptoms, including: 

• Inflammation 
• Stiffness 
• Sensitivity to touch 
• Color and heat changes 
• Immobility 
• Anxiety or depression 

Chronic Back Pain 

Patients often seek pain management treatment for either acute or chronic back pain. The problem can affect multiple points of the back or the entire area. It’s important to get to the root of the problem. An estimated 20 percent of people who have experienced acute back pain eventually develop chronic back pain symptoms. Chronic back pain by definition persists for 12 weeks or longer. If you have ongoing back pain, make an appointment with a back specialist to learn more about what’s causing the problem and the best way to find relief. 

Chronic Neck Pain 

Thanks to the preponderance of desk jobs, neck pain is another extremely common condition that can become chronic if not properly treated. Some studies show that 14-22 percent of the general population report having chronic neck pain, with symptoms that last three to six months or more. It’s important for patients to recognize the many other potential symptoms associated with chronic neck pain. These symptoms include: 

• Constant pain in any area of the neck 
• Headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness 
• Throat pain 
• Tingling or weakness in the arms 
• Sharp shooting pain 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Swelling of the lymph nodes 
• Facial, shoulder or back pain 

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis) 

Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the joints. About 1.5 million of these people have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that usually affects the lining of multiple joints throughout the body. The good news is that there is a growing array of treatments for arthritis, including better pain management for people who need it. 

There are various types of arthritis, as well as possible treatments, including: 

1. NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common and effective remedies for managing osteoarthritis pain.  
2. Other Medications – Rheumatoid arthritis is typically managed through the use of biological response modifiers (RBMs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS). 
3. Injection Therapy – Steroid injections may be used to treat pain related to osteoarthritis in multiple areas of the body.  

Post-Surgical Pain Treatment 

There are times when surgery is the most effective treatment for an injury or chronic musculoskeletal condition. While pain management is just one aspect of a patient’s post-operative treatment, many patients do seek some form of relief after a significant surgery. MidAmerica Orthopaedics has a team of specialists who can accurately diagnose the cause of pain and offer multiple options for addressing it. Patients can obtain written and verbal instructions for any medications or recommendations for managing pain post-surgery. 

MidAmerica provides patients with the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment methods for pain stemming from a broad range of injuries and conditions. Visit MidAmerica Orthopaedics online to learn more. Call (708) 237-7200 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.