Chronic Pain: What's the Cause?

One in five adults experiences chronic pain, according to the CDC. If you are one of them, you’re not alone—and there very well may be a solution, once you and your Naturopathic Doctor (ND) figure out the source of the problem. Your ND can help by determining the root cause of the pain and creating a personalized treatment plan to help correct the causes and hence alleviate the symptoms.

Here are some examples of common chronic pain conditions, and some examples of the solutions we’ve prescribed for our patients.

Patient Case Study #1

Type of Pain: Back pain, neck pain, backache

Possible Causes: Injury to disc, muscles, tendons and ligaments, excessive strain, poor posture, nutritional deficiencies, tightening of the back, neck, and shoulder muscles due to tension/stress, and subluxation of the spine.

Your ND may prescribe:

Naturopathic physiotherapy with magnesium iontophoresis to stimulate circulation to troubled areas and provide anti-inflammatory healing substances.
Anti-inflammatory botanical formula with herbs such as ginger, boswellia and turmeric to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Nutritional changes to increase in anti-inflammatory foods such as including more salmon, sardines, artic cod, kale, spinach, broccoli, avocado, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and walnuts in the diet.
Rapid release therapy to affected muscles. High-speed vibration therapy utilized during a rapid release therapy session uses high-frequency vibrations to stimulate healing, relieve pain, improve range of motion, and relax muscles.
Home stretching and core strengthening exercises for affected areas.
Spinal manipulation to areas of subluxation. Spinal manipulation involves the practitioner using his or her hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to a spinal joint in order to move the joint and improve spinal motion.
An ergonomic assessment (such as posture and body mechanics while at work, sitting at a desk, etc.) to help prevent further aggravation to the injured area(s). Poor posture, especially over a long period of time, can add pressure to the spine and lead to damage, strain, and pain. Set up an ergonomic workstation, especially if you spend the day working at a computer, and be mindful of slouching when you’re walking, standing, or sitting.
Consider purchasing an ergonomic pillow designed for your most comfortable sleeping position. Place a small pillow under or between your knees to reduce pressure on your spine and improve your alignment.

Patient Case Study #2

Type of Pain: Joint, tendon, and ligament pain

Possible Causes: Overuse injuries, bone fractures, osteoarthritis (“wear and tear”), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own tissues), sprains, strains, poor posture, bursitis (inflammation of the sacs of fluid that cushion the joints), gout (a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint), joint dislocation, and nutritional deficiencies.

Your ND may prescribe:

Naturopathic physiotherapy with glucosamine iontophoresis to stimulate circulation to troubled areas and provide anti-inflammatory healing substances.
Both glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements that support cartilage health by reducing stiffness and improving joint function.
Cold Laser therapy to restore normal tendon/ligament integrity and function.
Arnica montana, an herb that helps reduce inflammation and bruising, homeopathically prepared and prescribed.
A customized herbal formula to cleanse the lymph and blood, reduce inflammation, and improve liver and adrenal function.
Consider referral for prolotherapy, prp, or adult stem cell injections. These treatments involve injecting the injured tissue with a natural substance to promote healing.

Patient Case Study #3

Type of Pain: Fibromyalgia (a lifelong condition characterized by chronic fatigue, muscle pain/tenderness, and disturbances in sleep).

Possible Causes: Dysbiosis, Adrenal Fatigue, hormone imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and often develops after illness, injury, physical trauma, or psychological trauma.

Your ND may prescribe:

Herbal medicine and vitamin treatments.
Removal of gut-produced toxins through an elimination diet, restoration of digestive functionality through naturopathic physiotherapy, re-inoculation of the gut with good bacteria through probiotic consumption and repairing the gut lining through consumption of l-glutamine, n-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and cod liver oil.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, counseling, meditation, and journaling practices may help with the mental and emotional factors which may have triggered the illness.

Patient Case Study #4

Type of Pain: Migraines (debilitating headaches, often chronic, characterized by intense, distinguished symptoms such as blurred vision, auras, light sensitivity, and severe pain that doesn’t subside with the use of over-the-counter pain medications like Aspirin and Tylenol).

Possible Causes: Combination of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors; triggers include dehydration, exposure to bright light, hormonal changes, jet lag, low blood sugar, poor sleep habits, and stress.

Your ND may prescribe:

Keep a food log to identify triggers and make sure you’re eating a nutrient-rich, balanced diet and staying hydrated.
Eliminate food intolerances and alcohol to reduce toxic burden.
Testing to assess hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental toxin exposure.
Acupressure points to reduce the nausea affiliated with migraines.
Naturopathic Physiotherapy to improve liver and kidney function.

Whatever your pain problem may be, your ND will work together with you to determine the root cause(s) and figure out the best possible series of natural and homeopathic treatments to reduce your symptoms.