Medically reviewed by the Rice Emergency Room Medical Team

Dr. Amir Zegar, DO

Medically reviewed byDr. Amir Zegar, DOBoard-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician | Medical Director

Chronic pain is often described as a persistent, yet debilitating condition. If you are experiencing this type of pain, we can help you at Rice Emergency Room. Our top priority is to help our patients relieve their pain quickly without a long wait and wasting time.

From the moment you walk in, we diagnose, and quickly determine the cause, including an assessment of whether a higher level of acute or trauma care is needed.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain will usually last for at least three months. Unlike acute pain, which is a direct response to an injury and usually subsides with healing. Chronic pain can also persist beyond the usual recovery period, which can be continuous or intermittent.

Common Reasons A Patient Has 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?

Chronic pain is usually managed through regular medication, and medical care. When this type of maintenance fails, and you have nowhere to turn, you are in an emergency situation if your pain has gotten out of control and you cannot go about your day or night.

To get help, we recommend visiting an ER or urgent care for immediate pain relief..

Common Causes of Chronic Pain

  • 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 chronic 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 With This Type Of Pain

Rice Emergency Room is located right at the doorstep of the Houston Medical Center. We offer world-class emergency medical care without the long wait of a large hospital ER.

Rice Emergency Room ensures a fast and effective visit. 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.

Give us a call or walk-in 24/7 with no appointment needed.