Chronic pain is a persistent, debilitating condition that affects many people in West University Place and the surrounding areas. It is important to know the causes of chronic pain and recognize when it becomes a medical emergency. At Rice Emergency Room, our top priority is to get patients out of pain quickly, determine the cause, and assess whether a higher level of acute or trauma care is needed.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain lasts for more than three months. Unlike acute pain, which is a direct response to an injury and usually subsides with healing, chronic pain persists beyond the usual recovery period. It can be continuous or intermittent and may stem from various underlying conditions.

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

• Arthritis: This condition involves inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types, often affecting older adults.
• Back Pain: Chronic back pain can result from poor posture, spinal conditions like herniated discs, or injuries. It is a prevalent issue that can significantly impact daily activities.
• Fibromyalgia: Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia also includes fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
• Neuropathic Pain: This type of pain occurs due to damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. Conditions like diabetes, shingles, or nerve injuries can lead to neuropathic pain.
• Migraine and Tension Headaches: Chronic headaches can be extremely painful and disruptive. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances, while tension headaches typically cause a dull, aching sensation around the head.
• Cancer: Pain associated with cancer can be due to the disease itself or treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Managing cancer pain is a critical aspect of overall cancer care.

When Does Chronic Pain Become a Medical Emergency?

While chronic pain is often managed through regular medical care, certain situations necessitate immediate attention. Knowing when to seek emergency care can prevent complications and ensure prompt treatment.

• Sudden and Severe Pain: If chronic pain suddenly becomes intense and unbearable, it may indicate a serious underlying condition such as a heart attack, blood clot, or internal injury. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
• Loss of Function or Mobility: If persistent pain leads to an inability to move or perform daily activities, it could signal a severe problem that requires urgent care. For example, sudden back pain accompanied by leg weakness might indicate a spinal cord injury.
• Signs of Infection: Chronic pain that is associated with symptoms like fever, redness, swelling, or warmth in a specific area may suggest an infection. Infections can spread rapidly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Neurological Symptoms: Pain accompanied by neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in vision or speech should be evaluated immediately. These symptoms could indicate conditions like a stroke or nerve damage.
• Chest Pain: Chronic pain in the chest that worsens or changes character could be a sign of a heart attack. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, and radiating pain to the arm or jaw should not be ignored and warrant immediate emergency care.

How Rice Emergency Room Can Help

Rice Emergency Room, located at the doorstep of the Houston Medical Center, offers world-class emergency medical care without the rigors of a large hospital ER. Unlike hospital ERs where in-patient care competes for diagnostic testing and radiology, Rice Emergency Room ensures prompt and focused care. Here’s how we approach chronic pain emergencies:

• Rapid Pain Relief: We prioritize providing fast and effective pain relief to improve patient comfort and stabilize their condition.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Our team conducts thorough assessments to identify the underlying cause of pain. This includes physical examinations, imaging tests, and laboratory work.
• Specialist Referrals: If a higher level of care is required, we coordinate with specialists such as neurologists, orthopedists, or pain management experts to ensure comprehensive treatment.
• Patient Education: We educate patients and their families on managing chronic pain, recognizing warning signs of emergencies, and following up with appropriate medical care.

When Chronic Pain Becomes a Medical Emergency

Chronic pain is a complex condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. Recognizing when chronic pain becomes a medical emergency is essential for timely and effective intervention. At Rice Emergency Room, we are dedicated to providing top-notch care to get patients out of pain quickly, determine the cause, and ensure they receive the necessary level of acute care. If you or a loved one experiences a persistent pain emergency, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention at our facility in Rice Village. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.