Why is evaluating the difference between cognitive function within specific chronic pain disorders important? Differing between pain types is important as executive functioning is crucial when performing goal-directed behavior and problem-solving, the two building blocks of cognition.

What if glia are responsible for what has been described as the “silent epidemic” of chronic pain?

Every instance of chronic pain is different and can stem from a number of root causes. But, on the whole, patients with chronic pain may be more susceptible to COVID-19.

It can be difficult to maintain your energy levels during the winter months. It’s important to keep up your motivation in winter. If you feel this is wavering, or your mental or emotional health may be suffering because of that, it’s important to speak with a counselor. Managing chronic pain is important year-round, but particularly difficult in the winter months. Hopefully applying a few of these tips will help you control the pain in the coldest weather.

If you live with chronic pain, you know how challenging it can be to perform simple chores and everyday functions. The thought of adding the holiday “stuff” too can be daunting. It can really put a damper on what could be a wonderful holiday season.

Neuropathic pain is frequently chronic, and tends to have a less robust response to treatment with opioids, but may respond well to other drugs such as anti-seizure and antidepressant medications.

Chronic pain, or pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks, is common among the approximately 20 million veterans in the United States today. More than 50% of veterans receiving care at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities across the country are affected by the condition. Here are a few stats you may not be aware of regarding veterans and the VA best practices for pain management.

BT interventions delivered by frontline clinicians to reduce pain impact and improve function among patients with chronic pain receiving long-term opioid treatment. And, though the effects were considered modest, they did persist after treatment through a final 12-month follow-up.

When using opioids for pain management, one may find that the pain is not fully going away. Perhaps the body will respond better to other forms of pain management, or perhaps the medications are becoming less effective with use over time. Using more of an opioid isn’t necessarily going to make you feel better or in less pain. Increasing a dose of opioids will sometimes only increase the side effects.

A study conducted by the University of Alberta shows that pain not only affects one’s physical, emotional, and mental states, but it can also affect a person’s memory and concentration. It interferes with the memory trace needed to hold information for processing, and long-term storage. This affects not only one’s ability to remember, but also to concentrate and focus in the moment.

Many chronic conditions that cause pain are more common in people who are overweight or obese — arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, hypertension, asthma, type 2 diabetes, and back pain. Because of this, the assumption is that being obese increases the likelihood of having multiple medical problems, and many of these conditions may cause pain. Obesity and pain often go hand in hand, even if the obese person is otherwise healthy.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) often does not always cause symptoms, but if the infection becomes chronic, it can cause complications over time. One of these is joint inflammation and pain.