Pain is a normal response to injury and plays an important role in protecting the body during healing. However, when pain persists for more than three months or continues after tissues have healed, it is generally considered chronic pain. Chronic pain can affect nearly every aspect of daily life, including work, sleep, physical activity, and emotional well-being.

Key Insight:

Chronic pain is often more complex than an ongoing injury. Over time, changes can occur within the nervous system that make the body more sensitive to pain signals. In addition to physical factors such as joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, and reduced mobility, chronic pain may also be influenced by stress, sleep quality, physical inactivity, and other lifestyle factors. Effective treatment often requires addressing multiple contributors rather than focusing on a single source of pain.

Research supports a multidisciplinary, conservative approach to managing many chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. Chiropractic care may help reduce pain and improve function by restoring joint mobility, improving movement patterns, and reducing mechanical stress on the spine and other joints. Treatment may also include therapeutic exercise, soft tissue therapy, patient education, posture and ergonomic recommendations, and strategies to help patients gradually return to normal activities.

Every treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and functional goals. While chiropractic care may help many people with chronic neck pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and collaboration with other healthcare providers when appropriate.

Living with chronic pain does not necessarily mean you have to stop doing the activities you enjoy. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify factors contributing to your symptoms and develop an evidence-informed treatment plan focused on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing your quality of life.

Interested in learning whether chiropractic care may be part of your chronic pain management plan? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized care options.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Treede RD, Rief W, Barke A, et al. Chronic Pain as a Symptom or a Disease: The IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for ICD-11. Available through PubMed.

• Nicholas M, Vlaeyen JWS, Rief W, et al. The IASP Classification of Chronic Pain for ICD-11: Chronic Primary Pain. Available through PubMed.

• Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Available through PubMed.

• Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Other Conservative Treatments for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Available through PubMed.