Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS)

Pain is a protective response of the body that acts as a warning of a health threat. Such pain will disappear quickly or reduce once the person recovers.

Chronic pain can come on suddenly and persist long after an injury or illness has healed. Sometimes CPS happens for no obvious reason and can last for years. It is estimated that approximately 25% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain.

Symptoms of Chronic Pain Syndrome

• The main symptom is constant or intermittent pain. It is usually described as sharp or gnawing, stabbing, nagging, throbbing pain.
• Chronic pain syndrome occurs 15 or more days per month for more than three months.
• The pain tends to worsen with movement and improve with rest, or vice versa.
• CPS is a lot more common during the day.
• There is often increased sensitivity and skin temperature in the affected area.
• A person may feel pain from a light touch (typical for neuropathies);
• Chronic pain syndrome may be accompanied by swelling and redness of the tissues, as well as extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Initial causes can aggravate chronic pain (working conditions, the presence of a certain person, visiting a specific place). 

Where do People usually have Chronic Pain? 

Chronic pain comes in many different forms, so the most common types of chronic pain include.

• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Cancer pain
• Headache (migraine)
• Testicular pain
• Scar tissue pain after surgery
• Muscle pain in different areas of the body

Diagnosis of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Since pain is a subjective experience, patients are asked to rate their pain intensity on a scale of 0 to 10.

The doctor will prescribe the most suitable painkillers only after determining the cause, nature, and intensity of pain. The careful selection of medication is caused by the diversity of pain medicine and different mechanisms of action. 

Lab Tests for CPS

• Blood test
• Electromyography to assess muscle activity
• MRI
• Nerve conduction studies
• Reflex and balance test
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
• Urine tests

Risk Factors for the Development of Chronic Pain

• Family medical history. Some diseases, like migraines, can be passed down from parent to child.
• Overweight and obesity. Weight gain creates inflammation in addition to the excess stress it puts on joints.
• Age. Older people are more susceptible to different diseases that cause chronic pain.
• Injuries.
• Heavy workload or intense sport.
• Stress. Chronic pain is common after traumatic events.
• Bad habits - drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking drugs.

None of the studies have been proven to be effective in the prevention of chronic pain syndrome. However, it is no secret that bad habits and unhealthy diets can cause serious health problems, including chronic pain syndrome.