Condition
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts beyond normal tissue healing time, typically three months or longer.
Overview
Aetiology
Organ Damage
Organ damage from ischemia, traumatic injury, cancer, or toxic injury can all lead to persistent, chronic pain.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage from trauma, viral infection (such as EBV or HSV), as well as post surgery can result in chronic pain.
Psychosomatic
Chronic and severe depression or psycological disorders can lead to functional pain disorders like CFS, PCOS, or fibromyalgia.
Other Associated Symptoms
Persistent pain is frequently accompanied by reduced mobility, muscle tension, low energy, and changes in mood and appetite. The ongoing nature of the pain often disrupts sleep and daily functioning.
Assessment
Diagnostic Considerations
Chronic pain is diagnosed after 3 months of persistent pain.
Context
Comorbidities
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Obesity
The Herbs
Materia Medica (10)
Herbs traditionally or clinically used for chronic pain.
Supplementation
Supplementation (2)
Supplements, nutrients and compounds used for chronic pain.
Agmatine (sulfate)
Amino acid metabolite
Agmatine is a decarboxylated-arginine metabolite studied mainly for neuropathic pain, with proposed roles in mood and neuroprotection.
DL-Phenylalanine
Amino acid
A racemic L-/D-phenylalanine blend sold for mood and pain, on thin, dated, and partly negative evidence.
References:
- Merskey, H. E. (1986). Classification of chronic pain: descriptions of chronic pain syndromes and definitions of pain terms. Pain.
- Farrar, J. T., Young Jr, J. P., LaMoreaux, L., Werth, J. L., & Poole, R. M. (2001). Clinical importance of changes in chronic pain intensity measured on an 11-point numerical pain rating scale. Pain, 94(2), 149-158.