There is overwhelming evidence showing an association of chronic pain with significant economic, societal, and health outcomes. With increasing geriatric population and even more alarming, the young population getting affected with chronic pain. A study from across 42 countries identified that self-reported chronic pain amongst adolescent populations was common: 20.6% of young people experienced pain in at least two sites of headache, stomach, and backache.

 

Chronic pain affects up to 30% of those aged 18–39 yr. A survey conducted by Indian Society for the study of pain showed 43% of patient with chronic pain consulting pain physicians belong to young age group between 25-45 years of age.   Further, along with enormous costs and disability associated with reduced functioning, overuse of opioids and related fatalities have been well described. Severe and chronic pain can impair mobility and function as well as reduce general quality of life, thereby posing barriers to human flourishing and productivity.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for longer than three months. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including injuries, arthritis, and nerve damage. Chronic pain can be mild or severe, and it can be constant or intermittent. There are a variety of treatments available for chronic pain, depending on the type and severity of the pain. Treatment options may include: Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be effective for mild to moderate pain. Prescription pain relievers: Opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, are more powerful pain relievers that are used for moderate to severe pain. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, which can reduce pain and improve function. Injections: Injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or other medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Nerve blocks: Nerve blocks are injections of local anesthetic or medication that temporarily block pain signals from traveling along nerves. Intrathecal pumps: Intrathecal pumps are surgically implanted devices that deliver medication directly to the spinal cord. Spinal pain pumps: Spinal pain pumps are similar to intrathecal pumps, but they deliver medication to the space around the spinal cord instead of directly to the spinal cord itself. Spinal cord stimulators: Spinal cord stimulators are surgically implanted devices that deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord. This can help to disrupt pain signals and reduce pain. Chronic Pain Management with Nerve Blocks Nerve blocks are a type of pain management procedure that can be used to treat chronic pain. Nerve blocks involve injecting local anesthetic or medication into or around nerves. This blocks pain signals from traveling along the nerves and reaching the brain. Nerve blocks can be used to treat a variety of types of chronic pain, including: Pain caused by nerve damage Pain caused by arthritis Pain caused by cancer Pain caused by injuries Nerve blocks can be performed as a one-time procedure or as a series of procedures. The type of nerve block that is used and the frequency of the injections will vary depending on the individual patient's needs. Chronic Pain Management with Intrathecal Pumps Intrathecal pumps are surgically implanted devices that deliver medication directly to the spinal cord. The pump is filled with a medication that is specifically designed to treat pain. The pump is programmed to deliver the medication over a period of time, typically 24 hours. Intrathecal pumps are used to treat severe chronic pain that is not adequately controlled with other pain medications. Intrathecal pumps can be very effective in providing pain relief and improving quality of life for patients with chronic pain. Chronic Pain Management with Spinal Pain Pumps Spinal pain pumps are similar to intrathecal pumps, but they deliver medication to the space around the spinal cord instead of directly to the spinal cord itself. Spinal pain pumps are often used to treat chronic pain that is caused by nerve damage. Spinal pain pumps can be very effective in providing pain relief and improving quality of life for patients with chronic pain. However, spinal pain pumps are more likely to cause side effects than intrathecal pumps. Chronic Pain Management with Spinal Cord Stimulators Spinal cord stimulators are surgically implanted devices that deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord. This can help to disrupt pain signals and reduce pain. Spinal cord stimulators are used to treat severe chronic pain that is not adequately controlled with other pain medications. Spinal cord stimulators can be very effective in providing pain relief and improving quality of life for patients with chronic pain. Conclusion Nerve blocks, intrathecal pumps, spinal pain pumps, and spinal cord stimulators are all effective treatments for chronic pain. The best treatment for an individual patient will depend on the type and severity of the pain, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences