Chronic Pain – Signs, Root Causes & Integrative Healing Approaches

What is a leaky gut?

Introduction: Why Chronic Pain Needs a New Approach

Chronic pain is more than just discomfort—it’s a complex condition that disrupts daily life, drains emotional reserves, and often leaves patients feeling hopeless. At Patients Medical in NYC, we believe pain should not be managed with medications alone. Our integrative approach blends conventional and functional medicine to uncover why the pain is happening and how to heal it naturally. We treat the whole person—mind, body, and root cause—not just the symptom.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for 12 weeks or longer, often persisting well beyond the typical healing time. It may result from injury, illness, or occur without a clear cause. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain doesn’t just go away—it becomes part of a person’s life, affecting sleep, mood, relationships, and productivity.

Common Types of Chronic Pain Include:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
  • Migraines and tension headaches
  • Myofascial pain sydrome
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain

Common Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be localized or widespread, physical or emotional. Here are the signs our patients most commonly report:

Root Causes: Why Am I in Pain All the Time?

Pain is a symptom, not the problem. At Patients Medical, we dig deeper to identify and correct underlying causes using functional medicine diagnostics:

  • Chronic inflammation from poor diet, toxins, or infections
  • Hormonal imbalances: cortisol, thyroid, estrogen/testosterone
  • Gut dysfunction and leaky gut leading to systemic inflammation
  • Nutritional deficiencies (magnesium, vitamin D, B12, omega-3s)
  • Toxin accumulation (heavy metals, mold, pesticides)
  • Nerve dysfunction or misfiring pain signals
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to poor cellular energy
  • Structural imbalances or poor posture
  • Unresolved trauma or emotional stress

 

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use comprehensive testing to understand your unique pain picture:

Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, cytokine profiles)

Hormone panels (cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid)

Nutritional testing (magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3 index)

Gut health analysis (stool tests, leaky gut panel, microbiome mapping)

Heavy metal and mycotoxin testing

Autoimmune markers (ANA, RF, TPO)

Mitochondrial function and energy production panels

Advanced musculoskeletal imaging when needed

Integrative Treatments for Chronic Pain

Our custom pain recovery plans combine modern diagnostics with natural healing therapies:

Nutritional Therapy

Anti-inflammatory food plans designed around your needs. May include:

  • Elimination of gluten, dairy, and processed foods
  • Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or Mediterranean-style diets
  • Nutritional coaching and therapeutic meal planning

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom infusions for pain and inflammation:

  • Vitamin C, magnesium, B-complex, glutathione
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (for nerve pain)
  • NAD+ for mitochondrial support

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

All physician-monitored, may include:

  • Curcumin (turmeric extract)
  • Boswellia serrata
  • Magnesium glycinate
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Ashwagandha or rhodiola (for stress-induced pain)

Physical & Energy Medicine

We partner with experts to relieve structural causes:

  • Acupuncture
  • Medical massage
  • Myofascial release
  • Postural alignment techniques

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy

Mind-Body Therapy

Addressing the emotional component of chronic pain:

  • Guided meditation and breathing exercises
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Somatic therapy for trauma release
  • Adaptogens for adrenal support

Real Case Study: John's Path to Recovery

John, a 46-year-old office worker, came to us after three years of chronic lower back pain and fatigue. He was on NSAIDs daily but still couldn’t walk without discomfort. We identified low-grade inflammation, adrenal fatigue, and magnesium deficiency.

Our 90-day plan included:

  • IV magnesium and B vitamins
  • Anti-inflammatory diet
  • Acupuncture sessions
  • Mind-body therapy to manage stress
  • Targeted supplement protocol

At the 3-month mark, John’s pain score dropped from 8/10 to 2/10. He now exercises regularly and no longer uses painkillers.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—when we treat the root cause. Many patients experience 50–90% pain reduction naturally.

Not immediately. We work with your current care plan while building a sustainable natural strategy.

We are out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some labs may be covered.

Most patients report noticeable improvements within 4–6 weeks.

We recommend comprehensive labs based on your symptoms and health history.

Absolutely. Stress affects your hormones, inflammation levels, and pain perception.

Even long-term pain can respond to root-cause care. Every case is personalized.

Yes—nutraceuticals, herbs, IVs, and mind-body therapies are key parts of our plan.

Yes, we have protocols specifically for neuropathic and headache-related pain.

 We treat the whole person—physically, emotionally, and chemically—using modern testing and ancient wisdom.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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