Tips For Describing Pain to Your Chiropractor

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to improve the symptoms of a chronic condition, many people achieve results from seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is an effective method of pain relief that doesn’t involve any additional surgeries or medications. At Motus Integrative Health, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that works towards correcting the source of your pain in a way that you are comfortable with.

When you see one of our chiropractors for the first time, we’ll discuss your symptoms with you to get a better idea of why you’re seeking care. We’ll also talk about your other health history, including long-term conditions like arthritis and whether you have been in any recent accidents. Knowing how to name some of the different types of pain can help you to discuss what you’re feeling, making sure that our chiropractors really understand what you are going through. 

Naming Types of Pain

There are a number of words you can use to describe the type of pain you are feeling to a chiropractor or other professional. Importantly, the sensation you are feeling and how severe it is can differ based on what is causing the pain. Nerve pain, for instance, might feel like burning, freezing, tingling, or stabbing. By contrast, muscle or joint pain may feel more like an aching.

A few other phrases you might consider relate to the intensity of the pain and how frequently you feel it. Is there a constant aching or cramping sensation? Do you feel burning? Is the pain dull or sharp? If you still aren’t certain how to describe what you are feeling, your chiropractor may be able to help by asking further questions.

Chronic vs. Acute Pain

Another factor to consider when describing your pain to a chiropractor is the length of time you have been experiencing symptoms. Did the pain come on suddenly, such as after an accident? Is it a part of a condition you have been dealing with for a long time? Depending on which of these sound more accurate, you can describe your pain as “acute” or “chronic.”

Chronic pain is any type of pain that lasts for three months or more. It can come and go during that time, and results from a wide variety of conditions. Headaches and migraines might also be considered chronic, and can be treated with chiropractic care. 

By contrast, acute pain is short term. Acute pain usually comes on suddenly, but will recede once the cause has been treated. 

Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain, knowing how to describe what you are going through can help as you get started with treatment. However, learning how to describe pain to your chiropractor is just one step in the path to recovery. At Motus Integrative Health, we’ll work with you throughout the process to understand the cause behind your pain and work to correct it. To schedule a consultation with our doctor, contact us today.