Find relief for your acute or chronic pain at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates, serving Corinth and the surrounding areas.
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. That is our slogan at Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP). Our team of compassionate pain management practitioners believes that most people, at some point in their lives, experience acute or chronic pain. While pain is inevitable for most adults, you don’t have to suffer. MSSP offers pain management therapies for acute and chronic pain sufferers. Opt for pain relief in Corinth and learn how our therapies can help you on a new journey in life that’s pain-free!
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is sudden and intense and is classified as pain caused by a specific disease or injury. It is often associated with skeletal muscle spasms and sympathetic nervous system activation and serves a biological purpose, such as healing bone or soft tissue. Additionally, acute pain typically is self-limiting, meaning it resolves independently with little to no medical treatment and within a reasonable amount of time, leaving no lasting side effects or pain. Episodes of acute pain typically resolve in less than three months.
However, chronic pain differs in that it lasts much longer than episodes of acute pain and is considered to be a disease state. Pain lasting longer than three months and that occurs daily or almost every day is referred to as chronic pain. Furthermore, chronic pain does not serve a biological purpose and has no end. Chronic pain relief also relies on a multidisciplinary approach and often involves more than one treatment modality to provide relief.
Types of Acute Pain and Its Causes
Acute pain may be caused by the following:
- Breaking a bone
- An infection
- Burns
- Kidney stones
- Childbirth
- Falling
- Pulled muscle
- A bump or hit to a body part either against a surface or from an object
What are the symptoms of acute pain?
Acute pain severity depends on the cause, but it may be felt as sharp pain, localized throbbing, weakness, numbness, or painful tingling.
Types of Chronic Pain and Its Causes
Chronic pain can linger for months or years. It can be continuous or intermittent on most days.
Chronic pain often is described as the following:
- Aching
- Burning
- Throbbing
- Stinging
- Shooting pains
- Stiffness or numbness
Chronic pain is classified into three types:
Phantom Pain – This occurs as a result of amputation. Amputees often experience continued pain even after the limb has been removed.
Neuropathic Pain – Injuries that damage nerves may cause neuropathic pain, like painful tingling or numbness.
Central Pain – Multiple sclerosis is an example of central pain because it impacts the brain and spinal cord.
Chronic Pain and Mental Health
Chronic pain directly impacts mental health as it can lead to anxiety or mood disorders. It can even be difficult or near impossible to get a good night’s rest, leading to insomnia or sleep disorders. Additionally, chronic pain is fatiguing, and because it often reduces mobility, the sufferer may rest in bed or on the couch more often and develop depression as a result.
Diagnosing Chronic Pain
MSSP diagnoses chronic pain by first examining your health during a consultation.
Our pain relief doctor serving the Tupelo area investigates the cause of your pain, as well as its severity by asking you questions that may include:
- What causes you pain?
- When is your pain at its worst?
- How does your pain affect your mood?
- Where is the location of your pain and how far does it spread?
- How does your pain affect your ability to perform daily tasks or work?
Pain management specialists may also order diagnostic testing or imaging to evaluate the condition and health of your bones and surrounding soft tissue to determine the root cause of your pain. Lab work and neurofeedback testing may also be ordered to achieve a precise diagnosis.
Managing Chronic Pain in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS, and Jackson, TN
At MSSP, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to managing your chronic pain. Each patient receives specialized and unique care based on their health and pain needs. Often, patients undergo more than one therapeutic modality to reduce their pain. Our pain management practitioners may also collaborate with other physicians and caregivers to ensure you receive robust treatment for your pain. To learn more about pain relief in Corinth or schedule a consultation with a pain management specialist near you, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565.