Chronic Pain Specialist

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain refers to pain that lasts three or more months. 

Pain starts in the sensory cells located under your skin. When you have an injury or illness, these cells send pain signals to your brain, letting you know something is wrong. 

In most cases, pain is acute and resolves once the underlying injury or illness goes away. However, chronic pain is pain that persists. You may develop chronic pain after an injury or illness or from an underlying health condition.

The pain may be dull or severe, occur all the time, or come and go. No matter the severity or frequency of your discomfort, the team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., can help if you suffer from chronic pain.

What causes chronic pain?

Many long-term health issues cause chronic pain. Conditions that cause chronic pain include:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Cancer pain
• Neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Migraines
• Neck pain
• Sciatica

You may also develop a chronic pain condition from an injury or illness that makes you more sensitive to pain. 

What can I expect during a chronic pain evaluation?

You can expect a professional and comprehensive examination when you see the specialists at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., for help with your chronic pain. 

Your provider asks detailed questions about your pain, including the location, when and how it started, the type of pain you feel, and the activities that make it worse or better. They do a physical examination and run diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to better understand your pain condition.

How is chronic pain treated?

The Johnston Pain Management, P.A., team customizes your chronic pain treatment plan based on the cause and severity of your pain and how it affects your daily life.

Treatment for chronic pain at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., may include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Prescription pain medication
• Low-dose antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medication
• Nerve blocks
• Epidural injections
• Joint injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulator
• Intrathecal pain pump

The team also has a psychologist that helps with the emotional and social aspects of your chronic pain.

To get help with your chronic pain, call Johnston Pain Management, P.A., or schedule an appointment online today.