What Causes Chronic Pain? Understanding the Root of Your Discomfort

Chronic pain is more than a lingering ache—it’s a complex condition that affects millions of people across the U.S., often impacting every aspect of daily life. Unlike acute pain, which is a normal response to injury and typically resolves as the body heals, chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or even years. For many patients at Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute, understanding why this pain exists is the first step toward effective treatment.

Dr. Todd Bromberg and his team work with patients in Chafont, Marlton, and Trevose to uncover the true sources of chronic pain and provide lasting solutions. Chronic pain is not always traceable to a single incident or injury. Instead, it often results from a combination of physical, neurological, and sometimes psychological factors, which makes it essential to approach diagnosis and care with precision and compassion.

Common Origins of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can originate from a wide range of conditions, and in many cases, it may stem from more than one underlying cause. Some of the most common sources include musculoskeletal issues, nerve damage, autoimmune conditions, and post-surgical complications. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, herniated discs, and neuropathy are frequently seen in chronic pain patients.

In some individuals, chronic pain may develop even after the original injury has healed. This phenomenon, known as central sensitization, involves changes in the nervous system that heighten pain perception. Over time, the brain and spinal cord begin to interpret even minor signals as painful, creating a feedback loop that is difficult to break without specialized treatment.

The Role of the Nervous System

The nervous system plays a crucial role in the persistence of chronic pain. When nerves are injured or impaired, they may continue sending pain signals to the brain even in the absence of a triggering event. This is particularly true in conditions like sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Sometimes, these pain signals are amplified due to a condition known as neuropathic pain. This type of pain is often described as burning, tingling, or electric shock-like. It doesn’t respond well to typical over-the-counter medications, which is why expert management is crucial. Dr. Bromberg’s multidisciplinary approach includes advanced diagnostic techniques to identify how the nervous system contributes to a patient’s chronic pain experience.

Psychological and Emotional Factors

The mind-body connection is deeply intertwined with chronic pain. While the pain itself is very real, emotional and psychological factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with mood disorders are more likely to experience chronic pain, and vice versa.

At Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute, patients are encouraged to explore the emotional components of their pain as part of a holistic care strategy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and supportive counseling can all play roles in reducing pain perception and improving overall quality of life.

Chronic Inflammation and Immune Response

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to ongoing pain and tissue damage. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease are driven by an overactive immune response that continues to inflame tissues unnecessarily.

In chronic pain management, identifying whether inflammation is contributing to a patient’s symptoms is key. Blood tests, imaging, and clinical evaluations can help detect hidden sources of inflammation, allowing the care team to intervene early and effectively. Anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes dietary changes are used to help mitigate these effects.

When Pain Becomes the Condition

In some cases, chronic pain evolves into a condition of its own. This is seen in syndromes such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, where pain is widespread and not tied to a specific injury. The nervous system essentially becomes hypersensitive, reacting to stimuli that wouldn’t normally cause discomfort.

These conditions often require a multifaceted treatment plan, combining physical rehabilitation, medication management, and sometimes complementary therapies like acupuncture or biofeedback. Dr. Bromberg emphasizes the importance of personalized care, as no two patients’ pain profiles are exactly alike. By viewing chronic pain as a standalone condition, the Delaware Valley Pain & Spine team ensures no contributing factor is overlooked.

Diagnostic Process and Why It Matters

Chronic pain can be frustrating for patients, especially when prior treatments have failed or when the source of pain is unclear. At Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute, the diagnostic process is designed to uncover root causes using detailed medical history reviews, physical examinations, imaging studies, and nerve conduction tests.

This thorough approach ensures that treatment plans are based on objective findings and patient-specific goals. By identifying not just where the pain is, but why it exists, Dr. Bromberg can recommend therapies that address the true source of discomfort—whether that involves nerve blocks, regenerative medicine, spinal cord stimulation, or physical rehabilitation.

Empowering Patients Through Knowledge

Education is a vital part of chronic pain management. When patients understand what’s causing their pain, they are better equipped to engage with treatment and advocate for their own health. That’s why Dr. Bromberg and his team prioritize open communication and patient-centered care at every stage.

Living with chronic pain can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, many patients find relief, regain function, and return to doing the things they love. Whether in Chafont, Marlton, or Trevose, Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute offers a place for healing, understanding, and personalized solutions.

Resources

1. Clauw, D. J. (2014). Fibromyalgia: A clinical review. JAMA.

2. Apkarian, A. V., Baliki, M. N., & Geha, P. Y. (2009). Towards a theory of chronic pain. Progress in Neurobiology.

3. Tracey, I., & Bushnell, M. C. (2009). How neuroimaging studies have challenged us to rethink: Is chronic pain a disease? The Journal of Pain.