Prostatitis is a fairly common form of chronic pelvic pain in men. Prostatitis is caused by inflammation of the prostate gland, and causes symptoms such as pelvic pain or discomfort and urinary problems. It is often difficult to diagnose due to its vague symtoms.

Prostate cancer symptoms are equally vague, and often do not become noticable until prostate cancer has advanced past the initial stages. Prostate cancer symptoms can mimic those of prostatitis, and can cause both urinary problems as well as pain and discomfort during urination. Because prostate cancer symptoms are just as vague as prostatitis symptoms, prostate cancer is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

So where does this leave men with chronic pelvic pain? Well, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends regular screenings for men, especially those over 40, for early symptoms of prostate cancer. Catching prostate cancer symptoms early increases the chance of effective treatment. If you have pelvic pain or urinary symptoms, it is a good idea to have another exam just to be safe.

More from About.com's prostate cancer Guide:

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate Cancer Statistics

Prostate Cancer Myths

A recent article in the LA Times reported that Tai Chi may not only relieve arthritis pain in seniors, but may also lead to better mobility. Tai Chi has been known to have many health benefits for a long time, such as lowering blood pressure and increasing flexibility. This new finding, however, is specific to seniors with chronic pain.

Tai Chi is thought to ease the pains of arthritis by increasing balance, leg strength and flexibility. In addition, it is thought to decrease depression, which is common for people who have chronic pain. Tai Chi offers a safe, low-impact form of exercise. Don't think you have to be a senior to notice the health benefits: if this study says anything to me, it's that Tai Chi can help anyone who has chronic pain.

More information on Tai Chi:

History and Style Guide of Tai Chi

Tai Chi as Moving Meditation

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Chronic nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, affects millions of people. Unlike somatic pain, which is detected by nociceptors (pain receptor nerves), neuropathic pain is often caused by damage to or dysfunction in sensory nerves. Neuropathic pain can be caused by a number of conditions, such as diabetes. Nerves can also be damaged during a surgery, causing postoperative nerve pain. Sometimes, nerve tissues even thicken, causing a bundle which may become irritated. This is called a neuroma.

Treating chronic nerve pain often requires a different approach than pain caused by muscular or joint problems. While conventional medications may control some pain symptoms, nerve pain is often best treated with adjuvant analgesics such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants.

Do you have chronic nerve pain? What treatments did or did not work for you?

When you are being diagnosed or treated for a chronic pain conditions, one of the most common things you will be asked to do is to rate your pain. There are many different ways to do this, ranging from choosing a number to filling out a pain questionnaire. Healthcare providers use pain rating scales because pain is subjective - only the person in pain knows how it feels. Changes in pain rating scales tell the practitioners whether or not a pain intervention is working.

Something I try to explain to my patients is that a pain rating scale is not a test. I commonly hear patients respond "it's a twelve" when asked to rate their pain on a scale from zero to ten. Yes, twelve tells us you are in severe pain, but it's clearly not an accurate measure, especially as it is outside the realm of possibility!

How can you make a pain scale work for you? Well, first, be honest. Tell you practitioner how you feel. Is your pain better? Worse? Unchanged? Are you having other symptoms, such as anxiety or fear? Do you need a stronger painkiller? Whatever the case, let your doctor or nurse know how you are honestly feeling. Otherwise, all they can do it make a guess.