Chronic pain affects your quality of life and can last for months or even years, often leading to depression and anxiety. The compassionate team at Excel Family Medical & Urgent Care in Blanchard, Oklahoma, help patients of all ages manage and treat chronic pain. There are ways to manage your pain and live more comfortably. For chronic pain treatment, visit the practice for a walk-in appointment, call to schedule, or use the online booking tool.

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What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain can occur anywhere in the body and last from months to years. Chronic pain may exist all the time, or it may come and go. Frequent pain interferes with your daily life, making it difficult to work, care for yourself or others, or enjoy social activities. Chronic pain often causes depression or makes it hard to sleep, which increases pain.

What’s the difference between chronic pain and other pain?

Pain that only occurs in response to an event or injury is called acute pain. Acute pain doesn’t last long, and once your body heals, the pain goes away. Chronic pain continues long after the injury or cause and may even occur without a known cause.

What causes chronic pain?

Long-lasting illnesses such as cancer or arthritis can cause chronic pain. Changes to your body after physical injuries such as broken bones or sprains may also cause chronic pain even after the disease or injury heals. Chronic pain can also occur without a known cause.

The team at Excel Family Medical & Urgent Care conducts a thorough examination with testing to determine the cause of chronic pain, including:

  • Urine tests
  • Blood tests
  • X-rays and MRIs
  • Electromyography muscle tests
  • Reflex tests
  • Nerve conduction studies
  • Spinal fluid tests

If you experience chronic pain that is not related to a physical injury or illness, your pain may be the result of stress, anxiety, or depression. There are treatments available to relieve and manage pain regardless of its cause.

What types of chronic pain treatment is available?

Both over-the-counter and prescription medication can help manage chronic pain. Excel Family Medical & Urgent Care’s weight loss program can also help reduce joint pain from extra weight. Most people find a combination of treatments are most effective and may combine medications with:

  • Physical therapy
  • Massage
  • Exercise
  • Meditation
  • Acupuncture
  • Mental health therapy

Antidepressants change the way your brain deals with pain and can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain. Antidepressants also improve depression symptoms which help you cope with your chronic pain symptoms.

Don’t let chronic pain lower your quality of life. If you suffer from chronic pain, call Excel Family Medical & Urgent Care for pain management treatments.