Jennifer, a 27-year-old bookkeeper, had been suffering from pain in her jaw, neck, and right shoulder for several months. The pain came on gradually without any precipitating causes. Several months later she noticed sleep disturbances with the pain awakening her at night and leaving her tired and unrefreshed in the morning. Her energy declined and her mood became progressively more irritable. She was having difficulties chewing due to the pain in her jaw which, when she was examined, she rated as 7 out of 10 on the pain scale.
Jennifer had several tests and X-rays that were all normal. Having tried just about everything else, she decided to go to a pain clinic. On examination she appeared generally deconditioned and had poor posture. The range of motion in her neck and back was normal but the movement caused her discomfort. She had muscle spasm and multiple trigger points in her neck, shoulders, upper back, and jaw. Her mouth opening was significantly reduced.
The doctors at the pain clinic diagnosed Jennifer with early stage myofascial pain syndrome, which is localized with referred pain caused by muscle spasm resulting in tenderness and trigger point. Jennifer was relieved to have a diagnosis because she could finally start on the appropriate treatments and begin to get her life back on track.
Chronic pain is defined as a pain that continues three months beyond a reasonable time for healing. Unfortunately, it affects one out of five Americans. However, many people do not realize that the causes for chronic pain can be diagnosed and treated with great success in most cases.
People suffering chronic pain may experience several of the following:
- increasing need for pain medication with little relief
- memory problems and poor concentration
- healthy appearance to others even though in pain
- multiple tests, X-rays, and doctor's visits with no answers and no pain relief
- sleep disturbances and resulting fatigue
- changes in appetite and weight
- inability to perform previously enjoyed activities
If you think you may have chronic pain and have several of the indications listed above, you should check with your doctor.