Chronic Pain 101
Acute pain is associated with a specific illness or injury that goes away when the illness or injury passes. By contrast, chronic pain is pain that lasts for weeks, months, or years, as the pain signals from the brain keep firing, sometimes even where there is no initial injury or illness.
Chronic pain is more common in older adults, although it can occur in children with chronic illnesses.
Common conditions that can cause chronic pain include:
- Migraine headaches
- Low back problems
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Nerve problems
If you suffer from chronic pain, see a clinician for an evaluation to identify or rule out an underlying medical problem and to plan a strategy for the management of chronic pain.
Treatment of chronic pain can include medications as well as behavioral therapy, physical therapy, relaxation strategies, and alternative treatments such as massage, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation.
Get the help you need. Use our free clinician finder to locate a clinician in your area.
Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Chest Pain Can Signal Lung ProblemsFire Down Below: Hemorrhoid PainWhen Sore Throats Are SeriousToothy Troubles Could Be CavitiesChiropractic Care for Chronic PainChronic Pain 101Find Out About FibromyalgiaCysts in Brain Cause Chronic PainOsteopathy Offers Hands-On HealingGet Pinned: Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
