How Do I Know if I’m Dealing with Chronic Pain?

We all experience pain, whether it’s a sore back after moving furniture or a headache after a stressful day. But what happens when the pain lingers? When it doesn’t go away after a few days, or even a few weeks? 

Maybe you’ve tried to ignore it, work through it, or tell yourself it’ll get better with rest. But deep down, you wonder if it will ever go away.

Chronic pain affects millions of people, but because it often starts gradually, many don’t realize they’re dealing with something more serious than a pulled muscle or the result of a bad night’s sleep. That’s where Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain come in to help you recognize chronic pain in its earliest stage and take the first step toward finding real relief.

Signs you’re dealing with chronic pain

Not all chronic pain looks the same. It can be dull or sharp, burning or aching. However, there are a few telltale signs to watch out for. 

Long-lasting pain

If your pain has continued for 12 weeks or more (especially after an injury has healed), it may have transitioned from acute to chronic. Many people wait, hoping it will resolve on its own. But if your pain persists despite rest, home remedies, and time, it’s worth having Dr. Wu evaluate you.

Every day activities are difficult

Chronic pain often affects simple daily activities, such as walking, lifting, sitting, sleeping, and even concentrating at work. You might start avoiding movements that aggravate the pain, or you might find yourself slowing down in ways you never did before.

You’re mental and emotional health is suffering

Pain doesn’t just impact your body — it takes a toll on your mood, sleep, and energy levels. You might feel fatigued, depressed, anxious, or unable to focus. Chronic pain and mental health are closely linked because constant discomfort keeps the nervous system in a heightened state.

You’ve played the wait-and-see game and lost

Most minor injuries recover with time, rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication. Chronic pain doesn’t. If you’ve tried self-care for months with little improvement or the pain keeps returning after temporary relief, it’s time to talk to our pain management specialist.

Where chronic pain comes from

Chronic pain isn’t “all in your head,” but your brain and nerves do play a role. When pain signals fire repeatedly, the nervous system becomes extra sensitive, continuing to send pain messages even when there’s no immediate physical damage.

Some common causes include:

• Arthritis and joint inflammation
• Herniated discs or spinal stenosis
• Nerve damage or neuropathy
• Autoimmune conditions
• Past injuries or surgeries
• Fibromyalgia or migraines

Sometimes there’s no obvious cause, which can be frustrating. But even then, the pain is still real and treatable.

When to see a specialist

You don’t need to wait until the pain is unbearable. Seek help if:

• The pain lasts longer than three months
• You rely on pain meds daily to function
• Pain affects your sleep or mental health
• You’re missing work, workouts, or social life because of it

A Dr. Wu can help identify the cause, reduce pain levels, improve mobility, and help you get back to living, not just enduring.

Pain management plans vary for each patient, and we specialize in advanced interventional pain management therapies, including joint or nerve injections, spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, and regenerative medicine.

We can also recommend targeted physical therapy, anti-inflammatory or nerve pain medications, lifestyle changes (movement, nutrition, stress relief), and even cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Kick chronic pain to the curb

If your pain has stuck around longer than expected, is interfering with your life, or has become part of your daily routine, it may be more than soreness — it could be chronic pain. And you don’t have to push through it alone.

Getting answers (and relief) starts with one simple step: asking for help. Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.