Living with pain for weeks or months can affect much more than the area that hurts. It can change how you work, exercise, sleep, and participate in the activities you enjoy.
Persistent pain can also be frustrating because there isn't always one simple cause or one treatment that works for everyone.
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness in Maple Grove, MN, we take an individualized approach to persistent musculoskeletal pain. Depending on your condition and examination findings, care may include chiropractic care, rehabilitation and movement, massage therapy, or other treatment options.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Pain is generally considered chronic or persistent when it lasts longer than the expected healing period, commonly three months or longer.
That doesn't necessarily mean the painful area is continuing to be damaged.
Pain is complex and can be influenced by a combination of factors, including:
- A previous injury
- Joint or muscle problems
- Reduced strength or mobility
- Changes in activity
- Sleep
- Stress
- General health
- Sensitivity of the nervous system
This is one reason treating persistent pain often requires looking beyond just where it hurts.
Why Movement Matters
When something hurts, avoiding movement can feel like the safest option.
A temporary reduction in activity may sometimes be appropriate, particularly after an injury. But prolonged inactivity can also lead to decreased strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
Gradually returning to appropriate activity can be an important part of managing many persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
The goal isn't simply to “push through” pain. It's to identify movements you can tolerate and progressively build from there.
Rehabilitation for Persistent Pain
Rehabilitation can help address physical limitations that may be contributing to your symptoms or keeping you from doing the things you want to do.
Depending on your needs, rehabilitation may focus on:
- Mobility
- Strength
- Stability
- Balance
- Movement control
- Gradual return to activity
Exercises should be selected based on your individual condition rather than using the same routine for every person with back or neck pain.
Where Chiropractic Care Fits
For some patients, chiropractic care can be another part of managing persistent musculoskeletal pain.
Chiropractic treatment may be used to address restricted or uncomfortable joint movement and can be combined with active rehabilitation when appropriate.
At Northwood, our goal isn't simply to adjust the area that hurts and send you on your way.
We want to understand what movements are difficult, what activities aggravate your symptoms, and what you want to be able to do again.
That information helps determine what type of care makes sense for you.
What About Massage Therapy?
Muscle tension and soreness commonly accompany persistent pain.
Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and make movement feel more comfortable for some people.
Massage can be used on its own or alongside chiropractic care and rehabilitation depending on your needs.
For someone dealing with persistent back pain, for example, treatment might include hands-on care to improve comfortable movement while rehabilitation gradually builds strength and activity tolerance.
You Don't Have to Be Pain-Free Before Becoming Active
One common concern among people with persistent pain is that activity will make the problem worse.
That isn't always the case.
Depending on your condition, some discomfort during the recovery process doesn't necessarily mean you're causing additional damage.
The important part is determining what activities are appropriate, how much you can currently tolerate, and how to gradually progress.
This is where an individualized treatment and rehabilitation plan can be helpful.
When Chronic Pain Needs Further Evaluation
Not every persistent pain problem should be managed with chiropractic care or rehabilitation alone.
Certain symptoms may require additional medical evaluation, particularly when pain is accompanied by progressive weakness, significant numbness, changes in bowel or bladder function, unexplained weight loss, fever, significant trauma, or other concerning symptoms.
Your history and examination help determine whether your condition appears appropriate for conservative care or whether referral or additional testing should be considered.
Chronic Pain Care in Maple Grove, MN
If you've been dealing with persistent neck, back, joint, or muscle pain, the goal isn't necessarily to find one treatment that “fixes” everything.
A better starting point is understanding what's limiting you and determining what can be changed.
At Northwood Chiropractic & Wellness, we'll evaluate your symptoms, movement, and goals and help you determine an appropriate next step.
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Your first visit includes a consultation, comprehensive exam, X-rays if needed, and your first chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Greg Beenken
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