Chronic, to me, is never ending- no cure. It may be better some days (or weeks) and worse others, but it is always there lying in the background waiting to flare up.
Medications keep it at bay for me. If it weren't for my meds I could not work, could not walk, weak & tired as if I had the flu- and worse.
I know, I've had to go off them (ran out of pills- or missed doses) and realized just how much of a help they are.
My areas are feet. legs, arms, hands. I also have CTS. Numbness & pain affects all these areas, as well as stabs, jabs, pinpricks, 'buzzing', crawling, itching- you name it, I get it.
My work is my exercise, I'm somewhat active @ age 62- and drill, hammer, screw, work on doors, frames & hardware at homes, businesses & construction sites.