Chronic Pain

SamWell Institute for Pain Management

Pain Management Specialist located in Colonia, NJ, Livingston, NJ & Englewood, NJ

While pain serves as a vital warning sign of danger and keeps us from doing things that would be harmful to our health, there does come a time where the pain is unnecessary and debilitating. For those with chronic pain, you know this all too well. Dr. Jay M. Shah and at the SamWell Institute for Pain Management in Colonia, Livingston, and Englewood, New Jersey, is dedicated to bringing their patients the pain relief that they need, helping them get back to living the life that they have imagined. Call or go online today to schedule your appointment.

732-276-2494

Chronic Pain Q & A

What is chronic pain?

Pain is a normal part of life. It tells us to remove our finger from water when it is too hot or to refrain from walking on an injured foot. Most of the time, the pain goes away over time. However, some people live with painful and debilitating conditions day in and day out. While it is still a relatively new area of study, many doctors agree that chronic pain is physical distress that lasts longer than six months. While there can be many causes of chronic pain, some common ones include:

Nerve pain
Complex regional pain syndrome
RSD
Neuropathic pain
Myofascial pain syndrome

Getting a proper diagnosis is important to develop a thorough treatment plan

What is nerve pain?

Nerve pain is a debilitating and frustrating condition where nerves in your body send pain signals to your brain for no apparent reason. Nerve pain can manifest in different ways for different people, ranging from small pricks of pain to a shooting electric-like pain. It can be caused by underlying conditions, although there are times when there is no known cause.

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome, which includes RSD, is a condition where a high level of pain signals are sent to a specific site. While it is not known what causes the condition, it is believed to be attributed to a dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous system. Complex regional pain syndrome can occur in any part of your body, and as such, symptoms can vary widely. While this is not a complete list of possible symptoms, they may include:

Burning pain
Swollen joints
Reduced mobility
Skin changes

Speak with Dr. Shah to learn more.

What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain is thought to occur as a result of nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system. It causes a burning or shooting pain sensation, and can often be chronic. While the exact mechanism of pain is not known, it can sometimes be caused by:

Alcoholism
Chemotherapy
Amputation
Diabetes
HIV
Spine surgery

Getting the right medical care is essential to finding appropriate treatment.

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

In contrast to pain disorders that involve malfunctioning or damaged nerves, myofascial pain syndrome occurs as a result of excess pressure on sensitive muscles. This pressure can cause pain in the tissue, which can be referred to other parts of the body. This tension can be caused by stress or from repetitive use of the muscle. Non-invasive treatment options are available.

To learn more about how you can effectively manage and treat chronic pain, call or go online today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Shah.