Pain Management

The Facts

Pain is an uncomfortable or unpleasant sensation in the body. Pain is important to experience because it warns the body that something is wrong.

Acute pain refers to pain that has an identifiable cause and that goes away once the cause is no longer there. The pain can range from mild to severe. Examples of acute pain include a sports injury, a cut, burns, dental work, surgery, broken bones, and childbirth. Pain management in acute pain is usually short-term and can involve a variety of techniques such as pain killers, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Chronic pain, however, persists for weeks, months, or even years. It is present despite the fact that the underlying cause or injury has healed. The pain itself rarely continues to perform a useful function. Chronic pain can be quite disabling.

Pain management is an important quality of life issue, especially for people with chronic pain. Chronic pain often prevents people from working and enjoying life. It can lead to people feeling isolated, angry, frustrated, and guilty.

 

Read more about pain management and chronic pain by clicking the links below.