Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common condition, affecting up to 20.4 percent of adults in the United States. Roughly 7.4 percent of adults in the US suffer from high-impact chronic pain, which limits their daily activities and has far-reaching impacts on their lives.1
While many are able to find relief from chronic pain through medication and lifestyle changes, an increasing segment of the population has developed treatment-resistant chronic pain. Fortunately for chronic pain sufferers in the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area, Dr. Howard Cohen offers effective non-opioid treatment for chronic pain in the form of TMS brain stimulation and ketamine infusion therapy. Dr. Cohen has spent his career studying the mechanisms that cause chronic pain and the most effective ways to treat this debilitating condition.
Find relief from Chronic Pain.
What is Chronic Pain?
Acute pain is associated with a recent injury, illness, inflammation, or even a surgical procedure. Acute pain can be intense, but is short-lived and subsides within a few weeks. Chronic pain, however, is defined as daily pain or pain on most days over the course of 3 months or more.2
Conditions That May Cause Chronic Pain
Chronic pain may be associated with a specific ongoing health condition, like cancer, fibromyalgia, migraines, or arthritis. Chronic pain can also be caused by a previous injury or disease that has caused changes in the body, such as a previous injury like a back injury or a broken bone. Even when a broken bone heals, it is still possible to feel pain in that area well into the future or even indefinitely. Psychological stress, trauma, or inflammation can exacerbate the intensity and experience of pain.
Effects of Chronic Pain
When a person experiences chronic pain, it can affect many areas of their life. Constant or near-constant pain can impact a person’s ability to work, engage in pleasurable activities, or engage in basic daily activities like cleaning and cooking.
Chronic pain may also lead to:
Depression
Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Fatigue
Anxiety
Mood swings
People who have not found relief from chronic pain through traditional treatments often feel hopeless. Fortunately, pain specialist Dr. Howard Cohen can help.
Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
Medication
Historically, the main line of treatment for chronic pain was medication. Medications used to treat chronic pain include:- Anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants)
- Antidepressants
- Corticosteroids
- Muscle relaxers
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS such as ibuprofen)
- Acetaminophen
- Topical pain medications3
In the last decades, opioids became an increasingly popular form of pain medication. Unfortunately, this had led to an epidemic of opioid addictions. Patients who wish to avoid opioids who have not found adequate relief from other pain medications are turning to pain treatments that are less traditional but highly effective, such as brain stimulation and ketamine therapy.
Brain Stimulation (TMS) for Chronic Pain
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive and painless treatment that can have a significant impact on chronic pain. Rather than treating an injury that causes pain or blocking the transmission of pain signals through medication, TMS teaches the brain to ignore pain signals entirely. Research shows that many patients experience an immediate reduction in pain during TMS treatment, and that repeated TMS treatments can bring about long-term chronic pain relief that lasts for weeks to months (or longer).4,5Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain
Ketamine therapy is another method of treatment for chronic pain that has gained increasing traction in recent years. Ketamine impacts neurotransmitters, or pain receptors, which send pain signals to the brain. Ketamine can also help reduce the sensation of pain by stimulating opioid receptors, providing an anesthetic and analgesic effect. Ketamine provides near-immediate relief of chronic pain during infusion, and pain relief has been known to last for up to 12 weeks.6Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Pain
Is there a cure for chronic pain?
There is no definite cure for chronic pain, but it is possible for many patients to achieve long-term relief, even without dependence on opioids. Ketamine therapy and TMS brain stimulation have both proven to be effective in the treatment and management of chronic pain.
Is chronic pain all in my head?
No. It is not uncommon for patients suffering from chronic pain to begin to believe it is a psychological condition, especially after consulting with multiple doctors without achieving relief. Chronic pain is not in your head. It is a medical condition that can be treated.
How is chronic pain diagnosed?
Diagnosing chronic pain often involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, diagnostic tests (like blood tests, X-rays, or MRIs). The process aims to identify any underlying conditions contributing to the pain or to rule out specific causes.
Can lifestyle changes help with chronic pain?
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly impact chronic pain management. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can all contribute to pain reduction and overall well-being.
Contact Us
At Mind + Body Medicine, Dr. Howard Cohen has developed effective and non-invasive chronic pain treatment that has helped many patients in the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area find relief. To learn more about treatment for chronic pain and how it may benefit you, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
2 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chronic Pain: What You Need To Know. Available: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chronic-pain-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed December 7, 2023.
3 Mayo Clinic. Chronic Pain: Medication Decisions. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain-medication-decisions/art-20360371. Accessed December 7, 2023.
4 Hamid P, Malik BH, Hussain ML. Noninvasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Chronic Refractory Pain: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2019 Oct 29;11(10):e6019. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6019. PMID: 31824787; PMCID: PMC6886641. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6886641/. Accessed December 7, 2023.
5 UCLA TMS. TMS for Chronic Pain. Available: https://tmslosangeles.com/tms-for-chronic-pain/. Accessed December 7, 2023.
6 Orhurhu VJ, Roberts JS, Ly N, et al. Ketamine in Acute and Chronic Pain Management. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539824/ Accessed December 7, 2023.