Social Security Disability Lawyer
Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke, Virginia
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Nearly everyone experiences some form of pain over their lifetime. Pains from an accident, childbirth, or surgery may hurt initially but will eventually subside, leaving the person with a faint memory of the painful feelings. Unfortunately, there are millions of people in our society who experience daily, chronic pain that prevents them from living a normal, healthy life. According to the Chronic Pain Syndrome Network, there are 48 million Americans who suffer from incapacitating chronic pain.
Types of Chronic Pain
There are many different types of scenarios that can lead a person to experience persistent feelings of discomfort or intense pain.
- Somatic: Pains felt in the muscles or skin, such as back pain or Fibromyalgia.
- Visceral: Internal organ pain, such as gallstones, constipation, organ inflammation, indigestion.
- Bone: Throbbing pains felt in the bones or joints, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, infections or cancer.
- Headaches: Head pain resulting from tension or cluster headaches, migraines, sinus pain, brain tumors, nerve pain or sinusitis.
- Spasms: Muscle spasms can lead to debilitating pain.
- Circulatory: A lack of oxygen and nutrients in the bloodstream can reduce circulation and cause pain.
- Nerve: Pain resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system, distorting messages transmitted between the brain and other parts of the body.
- Phantom: A type of "ghost" pain felt as a result of amputated limbs or paralysis.
- Central: Damage to the central nervous system, such as a traumatic brain injury or stroke, which results in varying degrees of pain.
- Psychogenic: Unexplained, psychological pain that exists without any discernable signs of damage, injury or disease.
Results of Chronic Pain
In addition to the painful physical symptoms of chronic pain syndrome, a person suffering from this condition may also begin to exhibit other symptoms as a result of this condition, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Drug abuse
- Anger
- Low self-esteem
Treatment
There are many different treatment options for individuals suffering from chronic pain syndrome, including:
- Surgery
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Biofeedback
- Behavioral modification
- Acupuncture
As with any condition, finding the right treatment to control chronic pain can take the concerted efforts of a team of medical personnel. While untreated, chronic pain can make it impossible for the victim to bring in a steady income.
If you or a loved one is suffering from the debilitating effects of chronic pain syndrome and are unable to work, you may be entitled to collect Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. At Kalfus & Nachman, we are committed to helping our clients maintain a better quality of life. Please contact our Virginia social security disability lawyer today for a free consultation.