Treating Chronic Idiopathic Pain
Pain management is often a simple process that begins with determining the cause of the pain, listening to the patient to understand what steps have already been taken to alleviate the pain, and then addressing the pain through a variety of known approaches. But what happens when you can’t figure out why you’re in pain?
What Is Chronic Idiopathic Pain?
Chronic idiopathic pain is commonly defined as pain experienced by the patient from an unknown cause. To be considered chronic, the pain must be experienced at least weekly for more than three months. Idiopathic means that there’s no identifiable injury or disease to cause the pain. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there is not a cause, but it does mean that testing has not been able to conclude what is causing the pain.
Types of Chronic Idiopathic Pain
In the past, people who had experienced chronic idiopathic pain were often dismissed in the belief that they were faking the pain, either for attention or as a means of obtaining prescription pain medication, or they were told that the pain was “all in their head.” But the pain is very real to the patient, even if the medical community struggles to determine why the pain is being experienced. People with fibromyalgia, idiopathic face pain, MS, or neuropathic pain often fall under the umbrella of chronic idiopathic pain. For a person with idiopathic pain, the path to recovery can be difficult. The constant pain, without any understanding of why it’s occurring, can impact the person’s mental health. And because people with idiopathic pain don’t “look” like there’s something wrong, they often get less support from friends and family for their condition.
How to Treat Chronic Idiopathic Pain
Treating chronic idiopathic pain should not impose any stigma. When you are in pain, the first thing you will want is a physician and a pain team who believe you and who are willing to work with you to provide you with the best possible care. At Spine LLC, we treat chronic idiopathic pain using a number of different approaches. We use conventional imaging, as well as site-specific imaging and testing; this includes diagnostic nerve blocks to help rule out specific causes of pain. We formulate a plan of care, which may include nerve ablation or neuromodulation. And while there is often some trial and error in finding an approach that works best for you, we won’t give up on finding a way to relieve as much of your pain as possible and improve your quality of life.
If you’re suffering from chronic idiopathic pain, talk to your primary care physician today for a referral to our specialized pain management clinic and to arrange for a consultation, or contact us to make an appointment. Let us help determine which approach might be most effective for you. Step away from chronic pain.
