Top 5 common causes of chronic pain in DFW (and how to address them)
Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area brings its own unique challenges when it comes to managing pain. Between the unpredictable weather swings, long commutes on busy highways, and the demands of modern work life, many DFW residents find themselves dealing with persistent discomfort that affects their daily routines.
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Edrick Lopez and his team see these patterns regularly. Whether you're experiencing weather-related joint stiffness or dealing with "driver's knee" from navigating I-35, understanding the most common causes of chronic pain in our region is the first step toward finding effective relief.
Chronic pain doesn't have to be a permanent part of your life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can get back to enjoying everything the DFW area has to offer.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, often persisting well beyond the expected period of healing. Unlike acute pain, which serves as your body's immediate response to injury or illness, chronic pain doesn't have a clear purpose and may linger even after the original cause has resolved.
Chronic pain affects more than just your physical comfort. It impacts your thoughts, emotions, and mood, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break without proper treatment. The good news is that understanding chronic pain is the first step toward reclaiming control of your life.
Top 5 common causes of chronic pain in DFW
1. Back pain
Back pain is incredibly common among DFW residents, especially those who spend long hours sitting at desks or performing repetitive activities. Whether you're working in one of downtown Dallas's office buildings or commuting long distances, poor posture and prolonged sitting can lead to muscle tension and spinal issues.
The combination of sedentary work and Texas-sized commutes creates a perfect storm for back discomfort. Many patients come to our Irving clinic experiencing everything from lower back aches to more complex spinal conditions.
2. Joint pain (including "driver's knee")
Joint pain affects many people in our area, with "driver's knee" being a particularly relevant example for DFW residents. Spending hours navigating highways like I-635 or US-75 can cause knee pain from the repetitive motion of pressing pedals and maintaining the same position.
Joint pain isn't limited to knees, though. Many patients experience discomfort in their hips, shoulders and other joints due to various factors including age, activity level and underlying conditions like arthritis.
3. Neck pain
Neck pain is especially common among office workers and professionals throughout the DFW metroplex. Poor posture from looking down at computers, phones or documents creates strain on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles.
The seven vertebrae in your neck are connected to muscles, tendons and ligaments that can become tight and painful when subjected to prolonged stress or poor positioning.
4. Migraines
Migraines are much more than just headaches. These debilitating episodes can last for hours or even days, significantly impacting your ability to work, drive or enjoy daily activities.
For many DFW residents, migraines can be triggered by stress, weather changes or other environmental factors common to our area.
5. Weather-related pain
One of the most unique aspects of chronic pain in DFW is how our variable climate affects joints and muscles. When winds shift or temperatures drop, many people feel it in their joints or muscles—and they're not imagining it.
Changes in weather can have a real impact on joint and muscle pain, particularly in a climate as variable as ours. DFW's notorious weather swings and extremes—from scorching summers to unpredictable cold snaps—can cause even the fittest among us to experience increased stiffness and discomfort.
How DFW weather affects joint and muscle pain
The science behind weather-related pain involves several factors that are particularly relevant to our North Texas climate:
Barometric pressure changes: When pressure drops before storms or cold fronts, tissues and joints can expand, triggering increased sensitivity in nerves. This is especially problematic for individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia or other chronic pain conditions.
Temperature fluctuations: Cold weather often results in reduced blood flow to muscles, making them stiffer and less flexible. DFW's unpredictable cold snaps can catch your body off guard, leading to increased morning stiffness or pain after prolonged sitting.
Humidity impacts: High humidity levels can cause the body's tissues to swell, which can make inflammatory joint pain worse. Our humid summers often increase swelling in already tender or inflamed joints.
The constant back-and-forth between these weather extremes can leave DFW residents feeling like they're on a physical roller coaster, working harder just to maintain comfort.
Strategies for managing chronic pain in DFW
General pain management options
Physical therapy is one of the most effective solutions for chronic pain management. It helps strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, making your body more resilient to environmental changes and daily stressors.
Trigger point injections offer a minimally invasive option for tight muscle areas. These focused treatments can provide relief for stubborn muscle tension that develops from poor posture, repetitive activities, or stress.
Treatments offered at DFW Interventional Pain Institute
At our Irving clinic, Dr. Lopez and our team provide comprehensive and tailored treatment plans that address your specific needs and lifestyle. Our approach includes:
Physical therapy, psychological therapy and occupational therapy to address pain from multiple angles
Medications and procedures customized to your condition and health history
Surgical referrals when appropriate
Innovative treatments specifically designed for back pain, joint pain, neck pain and migraines
PRP injections are particularly effective for knee pain and arthritis, using your body's natural healing properties to repair damaged tissues.
Botox injections have proven highly effective for chronic migraines, offering relief for those who experience frequent, debilitating headaches.
When to seek specialized care
While primary care doctors are often the first point of contact for pain management, they may not always have the specialized tools or training required to address complex, persistent pain conditions.
Pain specialists like Dr. Lopez are specifically trained to diagnose and manage chronic pain using advanced techniques and personalized approaches. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation process to determine the root cause of their discomfort, allowing for more targeted and effective treatment.
A little about DFW Interventional Pain Institute and Dr. Edrick Lopez
Dr. Edrick Lopez is a Harvard-trained, double board-certified interventional pain management specialist who has helped thousands of patients throughout the DFW area manage various pain conditions. His extensive experience and specialized training give him the tools needed to address even the most complex pain issues.
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, our patient philosophy is simple: living with pain is not your only option. Through advances in medication and therapeutic practices, our team can help you live your best life.
Many of our patients have experienced significant improvements in their pain management, allowing them to return to work, exercise and enjoy activities they thought they'd have to give up.
Take control of your pain today with our help
Chronic pain is common in the DFW area, but it doesn't have to define your life. Whether you're dealing with weather-related joint stiffness, driver's knee from long commutes or persistent back pain from desk work, comprehensive and tailored treatment can make a real difference.
Don't let pain keep you from living your best life in one of Texas's most vibrant metropolitan areas. Dr. Lopez and our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute are here to help you find lasting relief and get back to doing what you love.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you manage your pain effectively.
