According to a 2019 CDC study, one in five American adults suffer from some form of chronic pain. For most, this pain can be associated with an injury or disease. However, in recent years, scientists have discovered convincing evidence linking genetics and chronic pain. Today’s blog post will explore inherited chronic pain, and how the team at Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center treats chronic pain conditions.
How are genetics and chronic pain related?
Genetic conditions are passed down through DNA. Every person’s DNA is composed of genes from each of their parents. When genetic material is passed down from parent to child, there is a chance that mutated genes will also be passed. These mutated genes make certain people more likely to develop chronic illnesses.
Genetics can also impact the way that people experience pain. Research indicates that people who are closely related are more likely to have a similar perception of pain than those who do not share genetic material. This newly discovered link between genetics and chronic pain could change the way chronic pain is studied, as variations in pain experiences can affect the type of treatment a patient receives.
What pain conditions are linked to genetics?
A study of more than 8,000 sets of twins recently determined the increased genetic predisposition of some patients to inherit illnesses associated with chronic pain. A few of those include:
Another study found direct links between genetics and chronic back pain in particular. This research discovered a hereditary mutation causing improper development of the bones and discs in the spine, which could lead to chronic back pain later in life. Migraine headaches have also been determined as a possible result of genetics.
Are there treatment options for genetic chronic pain?
The findings of the most recent studies on genetics and chronic pain could lead to improved treatment plans for those suffering with these conditions. The team of physicians at the Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center provide a number of state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical options for those suffering from inherited chronic pain conditions:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical options for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain include facet joint injections, lumbar transforaminal steroid injections, and medial branch blocks. Hereditary chronic migraine headaches can be treated non-surgically using treatments like botox injections and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks.
Surgical Treatment
If non-surgical means do not succeed in treating a patient’s inherited chronic pain, surgical treatment may be necessary. Some of the surgical treatments used to alleviate chronic pain include the spinal cord stimulator and pain pumps.
Dr. Segura performed the first implant of the Prometra® II 40 mL Programmable Pump in Louisiana. Dr. Segura has been implanting the Prometra System for over 5 years using his low concentration, high volume approach to alleviating symptoms for chronic pain patients.
Pain pump surgery is typically conducted in an outpatient setting, meaning that patients are allowed to go home soon after the surgery has concluded. Complete recovery from the procedure is usually around six weeks. The amount of time between surgery and noticeable pain relief may vary-- while some patients take time to feel the difference, others experience a reduction in pain almost instantly. During the recovery time, however, patients should avoid physical exertion, like bending, lifting, or reaching.
Reach out for relief
If you’re suffering from unresolved chronic pain, Contact us at the Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center to schedule an evaluation. Our team of specialized doctors are ready to find a solution for your chronic pain conditions.
This website is not intended to provide specific medical advice, medical diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this website and links to other websites, Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this website.