Chronic Pain Overview

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Learn About Chronic Pain

What is the definition of Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, in contrast to acute pain which is limited. Chronic pain may be the result of injury, infection, or chronic disease and can manifest as low back pain, migraines, arthritis, neuralgias or neurological diseases affecting various nerves, cancer, and even psychogenic pain where no physical cause can be found. Chronic pain more commonly affects older adults and can be unrelenting (without relief) or intermittent (continuing to come and go).
What are the symptoms of Chronic Pain?
Symptoms of chronic pain last more than three months and are generally associated with its origin, such as low back pain due to injury or disease; arthritis pain associated with joints and bones; headaches, such as recurring migraines; neurogenic pain from nerve or central nervous system diseases and disorders; psychogenic (no known disease or injury) pain; and may be combined with co-morbid (more than one) conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome; fibromyalgia (muscle pain); inflammatory bowel disease; interstitial cystitis (bladder infection); temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction; and vulvodynia (vulvar pain). Chronic pain symptoms may be aggravated by environmental and psychological factors. Some patients with chronic pain may also experience mood disorders, such depression and anxiety.
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What are the current treatments for Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is considered to be a major medical disorder that requires treatment and may be incurable. Treatments for chronic pain depend on its type, causes, and condition, and often involve seeing different specialists that are part of a pain management and rehabilitation team. Common treatments for chronic pain may include acupuncture; anesthetic pain blocks; epidural steroid injections; antidepressants; application of heat and cold; biofeedback; behavior modification therapy; brain stimulation; exercise; local electrical stimulation; hypnosis; over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or acetaminophen; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); placebos; prescription pain medicines, such as opioids; physical and occupational therapy, such as massage and whirlpool treatments; meditation; psychotherapy and group therapy; relaxation techniques; stress management; or surgery. Most often, treatment for chronic pain focuses on decreasing pain symptoms, while managing pain long-term.
Who are the top Chronic Pain Local Doctors?
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Julie G. Pilitsis
Neurosurgery
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Julie G. Pilitsis
Neurosurgery

Banner-University Medical Group

3838 N Campbell Ave, Bldg 2, 
Tucson, AZ 
520-694-8888
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Julie Pilitsis is a Neurosurgery provider in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Pilitsis is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Pain. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Pain, Accessory Deep Peroneal Nerve, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Laminectomy. Dr. Pilitsis is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. John G. Noles
Anesthesiology | Pain Medicine
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. John G. Noles
Anesthesiology | Pain Medicine

Wk Spine And Pain Specialists

2449 Hospital Dr, Suite 300, 
Bossier City, LA 
318-212-7960
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients

John Noles is an Anesthesiologist and a Pain Medicine provider in Bossier City, Louisiana. Dr. Noles is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Pain. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Pain, Cervical Spondylosis, Fibromyalgia, and Fractured Spine. Dr. Noles is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Ryan S. D'souza
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Ryan S. D'souza
Family Medicine
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Ryan S. D'souza
Family Medicine

UPMC Primary Care

805 Sir Thomas Court, Suite 2, 
Harrisburg, PA 
717-616-9069
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ryan D’Souza, DO, is a primary care provider with PinnacleHealth FamilyCare Union Deposit. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at UPMC in Central Pa. Dr. D'Souza’s clinical interests include mental health, cardiovascular and diabetes management, and he is a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with family, weightlifting, playing ice hockey and basketball, reading, writing poetry, and traveling. Dr. D'souza is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Pain. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Pain, Acute Pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Vertebroplasty.

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What are the latest Chronic Pain Clinical Trials?
Patient Retrospective Outcomes (PRO)
Patient Retrospective Outcomes (PRO)
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: October 15, 2025
Intervention Type: Device

Summary: This study will evaluate de-identified (anonymous) data in subject medical charts to review the clinical outcomes of various treatment approaches in the treatment of chronic pain.

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Psilocybin and Affective Function in Chronic Lower Back Pain Depression
Psilocybin and Affective Function in Chronic Lower Back Pain Depression
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: October 14, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: This study seeks to provide insight on psilocybin's effects on mechanisms of chronic pain among patients with co-morbid chronic low back pain and depression (CLBP+D). Participants will receive either a single high-dose of psilocybin (25mg absolute dose) or methylphenidate (40mg absolute dose). Participants will be asked to complete assessments of pain, depressive symptoms, and more general questio...

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