Pain Syndromes

What Is Pain Syndrome? 

There are two different types of pain syndromes: acute and chronic. Acute pain occurs as a result of something specific (e.g. surgery, injury, dental work, etc.) and dissipates within six months. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health chronic pain is defined as “pain that lasts more than several months (variously defined as 3 to 6 months, but longer than “normal healing”).” The Dignity Health Methodist Hospital of Sacramento explains “a neurological pain syndrome is chronic (long-term) pain that occurs when your nervous system does not work properly because of a disease or direct damage to a nerve or nerves.” There are certain conditions that have been known to potentially trigger or even cause chronic pain (e.g. fibromyalgia, infections, migraines, arthritis, cancer, etc.). The symptoms of chronic pain syndrome are caused by a miscommunication between one’s brain and central nervous system.

Signs and Symptoms 

Chronic pain syndrome adversely affects an individual’s mental and physical health. Every individual is different and could present with a unique combination of signs and symptoms related to chronic pain syndrome. The symptoms of chronic pain syndrome can range from mild to severe. Commonly known symptoms of chronic pain syndrome could include, but are not limited to, the following, as provided by Stanford Medicine:

• Fatigue

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Sleep problems

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Headaches 

Chronic pain can manifest anywhere in one’s body. If left untreated, the symptoms of chronic pain syndrome could increase one’s risk for developing adverse short and long-term effects and unwanted physiological complications.  

The Treatment Process

There are a variety of treatment methods, including non-traditional options that could be included in an individual’s treatment plan for chronic pain syndrome. An effective treatment plan for chronic pain syndrome will likely require input from both mental health professionals and medical providers. Different types of psychotherapeutic modalities that could be incorporated into one’s treatment plan could include, individual psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), creative arts therapy, and/ or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). Depending on one’s needs, other treatments integrated into one’s chronic pain syndrome treatment plan could include physical therapy, occupational therapy, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and pain medications. 

Why Choose Annandale in Pasadena?

Annandale Behavioral Health is a private wellness center located in the beautiful hills of Pasadena, CA. Our center provides the ideal environment for guests to reconnect with nature while receiving premium and personalized treatment. At Annandale, we honor each person’s individuality and have a core belief that everyone is capable of achieving true wellness. We understand that in order to heal, every person in recovery deeply benefits from a customized and tailored treatment plan, which we carefully develop for each of our guests. Our multidisciplinary clinical team is made up of highly regarded psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, nursing, and support staff.

Annandale Behavioral Health offers a full continuum of care, including medically supervised detox, stabilization, residential treatment, and aftercare services. We are here to support you every step of the way to help you learn how to lead a healthy, authentic, and fulfilling life that both promotes and supports true wellness.

If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding substance abuse, addiction, mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about our program here at Annandale Behavioral Health. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to help you or your loved one in the recovery process. Feel free to reach us by phone at 855-778-8668 or through our contact form. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.