Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and What Really Works

When pain sticks around for more than three months, it’s no longer just a symptom—it’s a condition called chronic pain, persistent discomfort that continues beyond normal healing time, often without a clear cause. Also known as long-term pain, it doesn’t always show up on X-rays or blood tests, but it can wreck sleep, mood, and daily life. Unlike sharp, short-term pain that warns you of injury, chronic pain is like a faulty alarm system—your nerves keep sending danger signals even when there’s no real threat.

It often ties into other health issues. For example, arthritis medication, drugs used to manage joint inflammation and degeneration like piroxicam (Feldene) or celecoxib (Celebrex) are common go-tos, but they’re not always enough. NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and pain help many, but long-term use can hurt your stomach, kidneys, or heart. That’s why people turn to alternatives—physical therapy, nerve-targeted meds, or even supplements. And while opioids were once overprescribed, safer options like gabapentin or low-dose antidepressants are now preferred for nerve-related chronic pain.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of miracle cures. It’s a practical collection of real-world comparisons and warnings. You’ll see how Feldene stacks up against other NSAIDs, why some steroid creams are dangerous for open wounds, and what drugs like amiodarone or irbesartan can do to your body when used long-term. We cover what works, what doesn’t, and what you should ask your doctor before starting anything new. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to make smarter choices when living with pain that won’t quit.

How to Tell Opioid Hyperalgesia Apart from Tolerance: Key Clinical Signs

Oct, 31 2025
10 Comments
Catlin Cox

Learn how to tell opioid-induced hyperalgesia apart from tolerance-key signs include spreading pain, allodynia, and worsening symptoms with higher doses. Don't miss this critical distinction in pain management.