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My Pain Journal
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LISTENPain Conditions

The following information describes some common pain-related conditions such as acute back pain, arthritis pain, chronic fibromyalgia pain, and chronic pain syndrome.

Arthritis
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It causes pain and usually also limits movement of the affected joints. There are many kinds of arthritis, with osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) being the most common.

Osteoarthritis is more common in older people because they have been using their joints longer. Using the joints to do the same task over and over or simply using them over time can make osteoarthritis worse. However, younger people, including athletes, can be at risk for osteoarthritis because they use their joints so much. Risk factors include:

  • Jobs that require the same movement over and over
  • Injuries to a joint that can increase the risk of arthritis later on
  • Excess weight that can accelerate arthritis in the knees, hips and spine

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the lining of the joints, and affects
1.3 million Americans. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability. Because it is a chronic disease, RA continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent flares in RA can occur, and the disease has the potential to affect other organs in the body. Currently, the cause of RA is unknown. And while there is no cure, there are many ways to control RA through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques. Early diagnosis and treatment with an arthritis pain management program is critical to continue living a productive lifestyle.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes pain in joints and muscles. It may also cause headaches, muscle stiffness, body aches and can disrupt sleep. Stress or lack of sleep can make the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. This disorder is seen in up to 5 percent of the population and affects more women than men. However, it isn't life threatening and it doesn't cause permanent damage. For chronic fibromyalgia pain relief, consult your doctor about developing a pain management plan. Fibromyalgia has many symptoms, although some of these may come and go. Some included are:

  • Increased sensitivity to pain (this is the main symptom of fibromyalgia)
  • Constant pain that gets worse in response to activity, stress, weather changes and other factors
  • Deep ache or a burning pain, with or without muscle tightening or spasms
  • Migratory pain (pain that moves around the body)
  • Tiredness, fatigue and/or trouble sleeping
  • Numbness or tingling in parts of your body, or a feeling of poor blood flow in some areas
  • Sensitivity to odors, bright lights, loud noises and even medicines
  • Headaches and jaw pain
  • Dry eyes or difficulty focusing on nearby objects
  • Problems with dizziness and balance
  • Some people have chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath
  • Digestive symptoms that include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, gas, cramping abdominal pain, and alternating diarrhea and constipation
  • Sometimes urinary symptoms exist including frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate and pain in the bladder area
  • Women with fibromyalgia often have pelvic symptoms, including pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods and painful sexual intercourse

TMJ
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJDs) refers to a complex and poorly understood set of conditions that can cause pain in the area of the jaw joint and associated muscles and/or problems using the jaw. Problems in this area can cause head and neck pain, a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open, and problems biting. Both or just one of the TM joints may be affected. TMJDs can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions and even breathe.

Back and Neck Pain
Most adults (90 percent) will suffer some kind of back pain during the course of their lives, while another 67 percent will experience neck pain. Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons for doctor visits, and are often times responsible for lost workdays, disability and high healthcare costs. For more acute back pain management information, consult your doctor.

Central Pain Syndrome
Central pain syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. This chronic pain syndrome can be caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, or Parkinson's disease.

Central pain syndrome may affect a large portion of the body or may be more restricted to specific areas, such as hands or feet. The extent of pain is usually related to the cause of the CNS injury or damage. Pain is typically constant, may be moderate to severe in intensity, and is often made worse by touch, movement, emotions, and temperature changes (usually cold temperatures). Individuals experience one or more types of pain sensations, the most prominent being burning. Central pain syndrome often begins shortly after the causative injury or damage, but may be delayed by months or even years, especially if it is related to post-stroke pain. While central pain disorder is not a fatal disorder, the symptoms that cause people to suffer can be debilitating.