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Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that continues for 3 months or longer. Chronic pain may be triggered by a disease or injury, or the cause may not be clear.

Symptoms may include:

  • Mild to severe pain that does not go away as expected.
  • Pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical.
  • Discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness.

Treatment usually includes behavioral therapy and a combination of medicines (such as pain relievers or antidepressants), physical therapy, and exercise. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or yoga also may be used to treat chronic pain.

Last Revised: January 20, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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