Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS)

Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is a complex condition with causes that are not yet fully understood. Unlike acute pain, which signals injury, infection, or disease, chronic pain persists even when there is no obvious damage. In CPS, pain may continue long after an injury has healed or a disease has been treated, significantly impacting quality of life and, in some cases, causing disability. Pain lasting well beyond the expected healing period—typically more than six months to a year—is considered chronic.

CPS is more common in older adults and occurs more frequently in women than men. Research suggests that traumatic experiences or stress may amplify pain intensity, and depression is often associated with the syndrome.

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Types of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can manifest in many forms, and a single patient may experience more than one type. Common complaints include:

  • Headaches
  • Low back pain
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Arthritis pain (rheumatoid or osteoarthritis)
  • Neurogenic (nerve) pain
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
  • Vulvodynia (vaginal pain)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Fibromyalgia

In some cases, when no physical cause is identified, pain may be classified as psychogenic, arising from psychological or psychiatric factors. Emotional and mental health factors can exacerbate nearly all types of pain, which is why effective treatments often address both mind and body.

Treatments for Chronic Pain Syndrome

At Michigan Integrative Health, we see many patients with CPS. Our thorough exam and evaluation focus on identifying drug-free, non-surgical approaches that can significantly reduce or even resolve chronic pain.

Complications of Chronic Pain Syndrome

Chronic pain can lead to emotional and physical difficulties. Patients may experience depression, fatigue, changes in appetite, reduced libido, and in some cases, substance abuse as a form of self-medication. CPS can also strain relationships and interfere with work. With an estimated one-third of Americans experiencing some form of chronic pain—and up to 50 million partially or fully disabled by it—research and effective treatments are urgently needed.

Research on Chronic Pain Syndrome

Studies have shown that patients with chronic pain often have abnormally low endorphin levels in their spinal fluid. Treatments such as acupuncture and electroacupuncture have been shown to increase endorphin levels, helping to relieve pain. Ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring new analgesics and the pain-relieving potential of medications not traditionally used for pain. Advances in neurological research are expected to provide more effective treatments for chronic pain in the future.