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With 18 years in the field, Albany’s Urgent & Primary Care has treated patients with a wide variety of health care concerns. But perhaps the most common, the leading urgent care explains, is chronic pain.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), an estimated 25.3 million Americans experience daily chronic pain. However, the minute details of this widespread condition are often unknown. To help you better understand your symptoms, these experienced family care physicians have answered the most frequently asked questions about chronic pain.  

FAQ: The Urgent Care’s Guide to Chronic Pain

1. What Is Chronic Pain?

Pain is an unpleasant sensory experience accompanied by physical discomfort and tissue damage. It comes in two varieties: acute and chronic. Acute pain refers to sudden but short-lived pain stemming from an overarching disease or injury. For instance, if you touched a hot stove, the subsequent burn would be acute.

urgent careChronic pain, on the other hand, varies in severity and lasts more than six months. Many describe it as a shooting, burning, or aching sensation. This type of pain is also less directly related to identifiable tissue damage, often making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the patient’s symptoms. However, there are several conditions known to cause chronic discomfort such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis.

2. How Is It Diagnosed? 

Because chronic pain is largely a sensory experience and does not always originate from tissue damage, it is often difficult to diagnose. To overcome these obstacles, primary care doctors and urgent cares alike have adopted tactics that simplify the process.

First, they may start with an informal interview in which the patient describes the severity, duration, and location of the pain, to the best of their abilities. Based on this data, the family care physician will administer additional testing. In an electromyography (EMG), for example, a technician will insert a thin needle into the muscles of the affected area. The resulting electrical signals show the doctor which specific muscles or nerves are compromised. Other common diagnostic tools include nerve conduction studies, evoked potential (EP) studies, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

3. How Is It Treated? 

primary care doctorDepending on the source and severity, chronic pain may be resistant to treatment. However, there are many ways for patients to monitor and manage their symptoms. Some of Urgent & Primary Care’s patients have had success with tactics like anti-inflammatory medication and biofeedback therapy. Others champion the calming effects of acupuncture, massage, and electrical stimulation. Together, these strategies help those with chronic pain find temporary relief and return to their normal activities.

Ultimately, the pain management method you pursue depends on your unique needs as well as your family care physician’s professional opinion. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before starting a new treatment plan.

4. Is It Preventable? 

Chronic pain isn’t always avoidable, but this East Greenbush-based urgent care says that maintaining your physical and mental health may help. For example, if you are in an accident, consult your primary care doctor as soon as possible. Doing so will not only ensure proper healing but also prevent further injury. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are also essential for your well-being.

If you have chronic pain, you don’t have to go through it alone. Urgent & Primary Care is on your side. For more information on this widespread condition, visit the urgent care online. To schedule an appointment with an experienced family care physician, call them at (518) 463-8262 today.

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