4 Possible Reasons Why Your Neck is Stiff in the Mornings

Millions of people struggle with ongoing, daily pain in the United States — about one in five Americans — and there are certain conditions that account for a large portion of these numbers.

As a pain management specialist, Dr. Sachida Manocha of Interventional Pain Center in Worthington and Newark, Ohio, is all too familiar with many conditions that can lead to chronic pain, and his overriding goal is to help you find relief.

To give you a better idea about what he’s up against, here’s a look at five conditions that can lead to chronic pain and the many treatments he offers that can bring much-needed relief.

Defining chronic pain

There’s a bit of confusion when it comes to defining chronic pain. Some people say any discomfort that lasts for three months or more, while others say six or 12 months. Our feeling is that chronic pain doesn’t need to have a number.

For example, if we diagnose you with a progressive disease, such as arthritis, there’s a good case to be made for the fact that you have the potential for chronic pain from day one. As another example, 20% of those who develop acute back pain go on to struggle with discomfort that lasts a year or more.

The bottom line is that if you’re faced with daily and persistent pain, you need solutions.

Five common causes of chronic pain

Of the many conditions that can cause pain, a few are more prevalent than others, especially when it comes to chronic pain. They include the following:

1. Back pain

There are any number of conditions that can lead to ongoing back pain, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis, scoliosis, and compression fractures.

2. Arthritis

In the United States, nearly 60 million people have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, which leads to ongoing joint pain and inflammation.

3. Headaches

From migraines to tension headaches, nearly 16% of the population in the United States experiences migraines or severe headaches.

4. Previous injury

Previous injuries that may not have healed properly or that have led to premature arthritis are also common causes of chronic pain.

5. Nerve pain

Rounding out our list of common causes of chronic pain is neuropathy, or nerve damage. While neuropathy can develop for any number of reasons, diabetes is the leading cause of nerve damage.

Finding relief from chronic pain

It would be hard to say here how we would go about helping you find relief from your chronic pain, because it would depend on the underlying condition. Rest assured, however, that we offer a wide range of treatment options, including:

• Interventional injections, such as joint injections
• Intrathecal pain pumps
• Spinal cord stimulators
• Medical marijuana
• Physical therapy

In addition to these therapies, lifestyle changes can also help, such as exercising more, practicing relaxation techniques, and boosting your body’s health through nutrition.

If you suffer from chronic pain, we can help you get relief. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Interventional Pain Center today.