Pain Relief Q & A

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Why does chronic pain occur?

Chronic pain can develop in almost any part of your body, with some of the most common locations being your hips, back, neck, and knees. Regardless of the location of the pain, it can be related to many different issues. Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:

• Injuries and trauma

• Aging and degeneration of your spine

• Lifestyle factors, such as carrying heavy items frequently, poor posture, and repetitive motions

• Certain illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis

• Chronic conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia

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Many people have more than one problem that contributes to their chronic pain. You may be more likely to develop chronic pain if you have certain risk factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle or obesity.

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How do we approach the treatment of chronic pain?

The team at Rochester Integrated Medicine believe in a whole-person approach to the treatment of chronic pain. When you come in with this condition, our team begins by performing a thorough physical exam and evaluation to figure out why you’re experiencing pain. Once we identify the underlying causes of your pain, we develop a customized treatment plan to help you feel better and enjoy an improved quality of life.

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The goal of treatment at Rochester Integrated Medicine goes beyond providing pain relief. At the end of your treatment plan, you’ll be stronger, healthier, and less likely to have problems in the future.

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What treatments are effective for chronic pain?

Rochester Integrated Medicine offers a wide range of treatments that may be beneficial to patients with chronic pain. For example, many patients with chronic pain will benefit from general chiropractic care, which involves gentle manipulation to improve the alignment of vertebrae and other joints. If we recommend this treatment, we may also encourage you to perform corrective exercises at home to improve the effectiveness of spinal correction.

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Some patients with chronic pain may also benefit from other treatments, including physical therapy, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, interferential electrical muscle stimulation, and spinal decompression.

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The exact treatments our team recommends depends on the cause of your pain and your treatment goals.