by Carrie Eckles

Created on: June 19, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

It's been estimated that as much as one-tenth of the American population suffers from chronic pain. That's a pretty big number. Chronic pain is a condition that far too many people are familiar with. It affects their lives and their livelihoods, sometimes hampering even the most mundane of physical activities. With the average lifespan of Americans increasing, chronic pain is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. As a chronic pain sufferer, it's important to understand your treatment options.

Diagnosis and Cause

It's recommended that patients suffering from continuous pain for more than two months seek help from their healthcare provider. If the pain lasts for more than six months, the diagnosis of chronic pain is usually given. During the diagnosis phase, doctors will rate your pain level to determine the best treatment options.

Chronic pain is most commonly caused by arthritis, migraines, depression, or old back injuries, among countless other causes. The cause of the chronic pain often determines the best treatment approach.

Goal of Treatment

The main goal of treatment for chronic pain is to enhance a patient's quality of life by reducing pain levels and returning the patient to a higher state of mobility. Patients with chronic pain often are unable to go about their daily lives, due to the agony they live in. Giving patients the relief they need to return to active and healthy lifestyles is an important aspect of managing and controlling chronic pain.

At Home Treatment

Once your doctor has determined the cause of your chronic pain, they might recommend at home treatments. At home treatments include exercises, such as walking and yoga. Getting proper sleep and eating a well-balanced diet are also important. These changes in lifestyle can decrease pain and relieve stress.

Medications

Sometimes doctors feel it is necessary to treat their chronic pain patients with medication. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen, are sometimes used to treat certain types of chronic pain. Narcotics, such as codeine, can also be prescribed by doctors if the patient's pain level warrants it.

Corticosteroids can be injected into painful joints to relief inflammation, thus reducing pressure and pain. This method of treatment is generally effective, but patients are often required to wait roughly three months between treatments.

Psychotherapy

With depression being one of the leading causes of chronic pain, patients are sometimes referred by their general

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