Chronic Pain Syndrome Treatment in Portage

Name: Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic
Address: 925 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI, 49024, US
Telephone: (269) 327-8990
Price range: $$

woman sitting on a couch with neck pain If you’re dealing with chronic pain, you know full well how it can impact many aspects of your day. Maybe you skip weeding the garden, shift in your chair every few minutes to try to get comfortable, or think twice about activities because you’re not sure how your body will feel tomorrow.

Irritation Changes How Your Body Responds

Chronic pain syndrome can develop when pain moves beyond the acute phase and becomes an ongoing problem, often over a period of six months or longer. At that point, the way your body responds may change, along with how your joints and muscles function.

The Repetition Behind Ongoing Pain

Chronic irritation can develop from the same actions repeated over long periods. Factors may include:

Physical jobs with repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting
Long hours seated at a desk
Joints that have lost some of their normal range of motion
Osteoarthritis or disc problems in the lower back
Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol use

Dull, Achy, and Always There

Instead of the sharp pain that often comes with a recent injury, chronic pain may feel more like an ongoing ache or stiffness. It can affect several areas at once, such as the low back, neck, knee, or shoulder. Over time, you may find yourself moving less or avoiding activities you used to enjoy.

Previous Care Hasn’t Been Enough

Some people come to Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic after trying medication, injections, physical therapy, or other approaches without getting the change they hoped for. Chronic pain can have physical components that may be identified through a detailed examination and orthopedic testing. Our chiropractors look at how your joints are moving, where function may be limited, and other factors that could be related to what you’re experiencing.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Long-Term Problems

Osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, so expectations need to reflect the changes already present in the joint. Care focuses on maintaining as much comfortable movement and function as possible. How often someone needs care varies considerably based on their condition, symptoms, and response.

Addressing Restricted Joints and Rebuilding Strength

Care begins with a thorough history and examination. When several areas hurt, the evaluation may include both the spine and extremities. Extremity adjusting may also be included when areas beyond the spine are involved. This can include joints in the shoulders, hips, knees, or other extremities, depending on the examination findings. When a lumbar disc or SI joint problem is involved, spinal decompression may also be considered. In this office, decompression is used for the lumbar spine and SI joint region with the goal of creating space between the vertebrae and addressing mechanical factors related to the patient’s symptoms. Once you’re beyond an acute period of irritation, customized exercises may be introduced to rebuild strength and function. Recommendations can also include nutrition and lifestyle changes based on what comes up during your history and exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use heat or ice for chronic pain?

Our practice generally recommends ice rather than heat when ongoing inflammation is a concern. Your chiropractor will give you recommendations based on your examination and individual situation.

How often will I need care for chronic pain?

It varies. Some people may go months between visits, while others benefit from more frequent care. Your recommendations will be based on what your chiropractor finds and how you respond.

Spend Less Time In Pain

If ongoing pain has changed the way you work, move, or spend your free time, an evaluation can help identify factors that may be related. Contact Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic to schedule your evaluation.