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Pain: Types, Causes, and When to Seek Help

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A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaHealthlineHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectSubscribeFitnessGet MotivatedCardioStrength TrainingYogaRest and RecoverHolistic FitnessExercise LibraryFitness NewsYour Fitness ToolkitEverything You Need to Know About PainMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on April 5, 2021CausesCausesWhen to seek helpDiagnosisTreatmentTakeawayWhat is pain?Pain is a general term that describes uncomfortable sensations in the body. It stems from activation of the nervous system.Pain can range from annoying to debilitating. It may feel like a sharp stab or dull ache. It may also be described as throbbing, pinching, stinging, burning, or sore.Pain may be consistent, it may start and stop frequently, or it may occur only under some conditions. It may be acute, developing suddenly and lasting for a short period of time. Or it may be chronic, with ongoing sensations that last or return repeatedly over several months or years.Pain may be localized, affecting a specific part of your body. Or it may be generalized, such as the overall body aches associated with the flu.People respond to pain differently. Some people have a high tolerance for pain, while others have a low tolerance. Pain is highly subjective.Pain lets us know when something is wrong and gives us hints about the cause. Some pain is easy to diagnose and can be managed at home. Other types of pain are signs of serious health conditions that require medical attention to treat.What causes pain?In some cases, pain is clearly caused by a specific injury or medical condition. In other cases, the cause of the pain may be less obvious or unknown.Some common causes of pain include:headachetoothachesore throatstomach ache or crampsmuscle cramps or strainscuts, burns, or bruisesbone fracturesMany illnesses or disorders, such as the flu, arthritis, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia, can cause pain. Depending on the underlying cause, you may develop other symptoms as well. For example, these may include fatigue, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or mood changes.Types of painThere are several different types of pain. It’s possible to experience more than one type at the same time. If you’re in pain, identifying the type of pain may help your healthcare professional narrow down the potential causes and develop a treatment plan.Acute painAcute pain develops over a short period of time. It tends to occur suddenly, often as a result of a known injury, illness, or medical procedure.For example, acute pain may result from:injuries such as cuts, burns, muscle strains, or bone fracturesillnesses such as food poisoning, strep throat, or appendicitismedical procedures such as injections, dental work, or surgeryAcute pain tends to be sharp, rather than dull. It usually goes away within a few days, weeks, or months, after the cause has been treated or resolved.Almost everyone experiences acute pain at some point in their lifetime.Chronic painChronic pain lasts, or comes and goes, over multiple months or years. It may result from a variety of health conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic migraine, or cancer. Some people also experience chronic pain following an injury, even after the initial injury has healed.In some cases, the cause of chronic pain is hard to identify. Some people experience chronic pain when there’s no other evidence of underlying injury or illness. This is known as functional pain.The National Health Interview Survey found that in 2019, roughly 1 in 5 adults in the United States had chronic pain. More than 7 percent had chronic pain that frequently limited their activities at work or in wider life.Nociceptive painNociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage. For example, it may result from injuries such as cuts, burns, bruises, or fractures. It may also result from certain health conditions that cause tissue inflammation and damage, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).When nociceptive pain develops in your skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, or bones, it’s known as somatic pain. When it develops in your internal organs, it’s known as visceral pain.Nociceptive pain may be acute or chronic, depending on the underlying cause. It may feel achy, throbbing, or sharp.Nociceptive pain affects almost everyone at some point in their lifetime.Neuropathic painNeuropathic pain results from nerve damage, which may be caused by a variety of injuries and illnesses. For example, you may experience neuropathic pain if one of the discs in your spine slips out of place and puts pressure on a nerve. You may also develop neuropathic pain as a result of certain illnesses, such as shingles, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or cancer.One study in the United States found that 10 percent of adults experience pain that’s likely neuropathic. It tends to be chronic, but acute neuropathic pain may also occur.Neuropathic pain may feel like a stabbing, shooting, burning, or prickling sensation. You may also find that you’re hypersensitive to touch, movement, or hot and cold temperatures.Functional painFunctional pain is pain that’s caused by no obvious injury or damage to your body. It tends to be chronic, although acute functional pain may also develop.More than 15 percent of the world’s population has a functional pain syndrome, report researchers in BJA Education. Examples of functional pain syndromes include:fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain throughout the bodyirritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes abdominal paintemporomandibular dysfunction, which causes jaw painchronic cardiac chest pain, which causes chest painWhen to seek helpSeek medical attention for your pain if it’s:the result of an injury or accident that may have caused substantial damage to your body, including severe or uncontrollable bleeding, broken bones, or head injuryan acute and sharp internal pain, which may be a sign of a serious problem such as a ruptured appendix or bowel perforationlocated in your chest, back, shoulders, neck, or jaw and accompanied by other potential signs or symptoms of a heart attack, such as pressure in your chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, cold sweats, nausea, or vomitinginterfering with your day-to-day life, including your ability to sleep, work, or take part in other activities that are important to youHow is pain diagnosed?If you seek medical attention for your pain, your healthcare professional will first do a physical examination and ask you some questions. Be prepared to describe the pain specifically, including when it started, when it is most intense, and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe.Your doctor may also ask you:how the pain affects your lifeif you have other symptomsif there are triggers that make the pain worseif you have any diagnosed health conditionsif you’ve had any recent injuries or illnessesif you have recently changed your diet or exercise routineif you’re taking medications or supplementsDepending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests to check for potential causes of your pain:blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, or cerebral spinal fluid tests to check for signs of infection or other illnessesendoscopy to check for signs of damage or other problems in your respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, or reproductive tractX-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound scan to check for signs of damage in your muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves, or internal organsbiopsy to collect a sample of tissue for analysisnerve function tests to learn how your nerves are workingpsychological tests to check for conditions such as depressionIf they can’t find any signs of underlying damage that may be causing the pain, you might have a functional pain syndrome. These syndromes are diagnosed based on symptoms, after other potential causes are ruled out.How is pain treated?Treatment for pain depends on the underlying issue or injury that’s causing it, if known. Acute pain will generally go away once the cause has been treated or resolved. Chronic pain can be more difficult to manage, especially if it’s functional pain that results from an unknown cause.If you have pain that’s caused by an injury, it might heal naturally with time or you might need medication, surgery, or other medical attention. If your pain is caused by an infection, it might resolve on its own or you might need medication or other treatments. If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, cancer, or chronic migraine, your doctor might prescribe medication, surgery, or other therapies to help treat it.Your healthcare professional might also recommend treatments to ease the pain itself. For example, they may recommend or prescribe:over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofenprescription anti-inflammatory drugs, such as as corticosteroids or certain types of COX-2 inhibitorsopioid medications, which may be prescribed for acute pain following an injury or surgeryantidepressant or anti-seizure medications, which may be prescribed for some types of neuropathic pain or functional pain syndromesphysical therapy, which may help relieve pain caused by injuries or certain health conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosisoccupational therapy, which may help you learn how to adapt your daily activities and environments to limit painYour doctor may also recommend complementary therapies, such as:biofeedback, in which a therapist uses electronic devices to help you learn how to consciously control body functions such as breathingacupuncture or acupressure, in which a practitioner stimulates certain pressure points on your body to help relieve chronic painmassage, in which a therapist rubs, kneads, or presses on muscles or other soft tissues to help ease tension and painmeditation, in which you focus your mind in ways intended to relieve stress and tensiontai chi or yoga, which combine gentle movements and deep breathing to stretch and stimulate your muscles and ease tensionprogressive muscle relaxation, in which you consciously tighten and then relax different muscle groups to promote natural relaxationguided imagery, in which you visualize calming imagesYour doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or home remedies to help manage pain. For example, they might encourage you to:apply a towel-wrapped cold pack or ice to reduce painful swelling and inflammation caused by injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritisapply heating pads or take warm baths to ease muscles stiffness, soreness, or crampslimit or avoid certain activities or triggers that make your pain worsetake steps to limit and ease stressget regular gentle exerciseget enough sleeplose weightFor minor injuries that don’t require medical attention, follow the general rule of RICE:Rest the injured areaIce the injured area, by applying a towel-wrapped cold pack or ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a timeCompress the injured area, by wrapping it in an elastic bandage tightly enough to provide support, but not so tightly that it causes numbnessElevate the injured area above your heartThe takeawayPain is a sign that something is wrong in your body. It may be caused by a wide variety of injuries, diseases, and functional pain syndromes.In general, the most effective way to treat pain is to address the underlying cause if it can be identified. In some cases, the injury or illness causing the pain may heal or resolve on its own. In other cases, you may need medication, surgery, or other therapies to treat the cause. Sometimes, your provider may not be able to identify the cause.If you think your pain is caused by a serious injury or illness that requires medical attention to treat, contact your doctor or emergency medical services. Let them know if you’ve been experiencing pain that interferes with your daily life.Your healthcare professional can help you develop a plan to manage the pain. Last medically reviewed on April 5, 2021How we reviewed this article:SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acute vs. chronic pain. (2020).https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12051-acute-vs-chronic-painBrooks KG, et al. (2017). Treatments for neuropathic pain.https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/research/review-article/treatments-for-neuropathic-pain/20203641.articleChronic pain: In depth. (2018).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chronic-pain-in-depthCrabtree D, et al. (2016). Common functional pain syndromes.https://doi.org/10.1093/bjaed/mkw010DiBonaventura MD, et al. (2017). The prevalence of probable neuropathic pain in the US: results from a multimodal general-population health survey. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S127014IASP terminology: Pain terms. (n.d.).https://www.iasp-pain.org/Education/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=1698Pain types. (n.d.).https://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au/pain-module/pain-types/Relaxation techniques for health. (2016).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-for-healthWhat is pain / types of pain treated? (n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/pain/blaustein_pain_center/patient_care/what_is_pain.htmlZelaya CE, et al. (2020). Chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain among U.S. adults, 2019.https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db390.htmOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.Current VersionApr 5, 2021Written ByAmber Erickson GabbeyEdited ByLauren BullenMedically Reviewed ByDeborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSNCopy Edited ByMegan McMorrisNov 6, 2019Written ByAmber Erickson GabbeyVIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — By Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on April 5, 2021Read this nextIs Diabetes to Blame for Your Headache?Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MDA headache can occur due to high or low blood glucose. Learn the differences, signs to look out for, and how to treat them.READ MOREEverything You Need to Know About ToothachesMedically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDSA toothache is pain you feel in or around your teeth. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment.READ MOREThese Yoga Poses Could Help People With Chronic Low Back Pain, Researchers SayA new study helps further our understanding of the benefits of yoga for low back pain relief. The telehealth yoga program significantly reduced low…READ MOREThis Treatment May Make Hypnosis More Effective for Chronic PainNew research from a team at Stanford University’s School of Medicine have found a way to increase your hypnotizability. Hypnosis can be key help…READ MOREPsilocybin May Help Reduce Depression Symptoms in People with CancerResearchers say psilocybin derived from mushrooms helped ease depression symptoms for people with cancer in a clinical trialREAD MORENew Scoliosis App Could Improve Diagnosis and Treatments, What to KnowThe FDA has granted clearance for a new AI-based app that could help improve scoliosis assessments. The Scoliosis Assessment Application uses a mobile…READ MOREAngelina Jolie Says She Developed Bell's Palsy Before Divorce, What to KnowAngelia Jolie revealed that she developed Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes unexplained facial muscle weakness or paralysis, leading up to her…READ MOREAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyPrivacy SettingsAdvertising PolicyHealth TopicsMedical AffairsContent IntegrityNewsletters© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.AboutCareersAdvertise with usOUR BRANDSHealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy

Pain - Wikipedia

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(Top)

1Etymology

2Classification

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2.1Chronic versus acute

2.2Allodynia

2.3Phantom

2.4Breakthrough

2.5Asymbolia and insensitivity

3Functional effects

Toggle Functional effects subsection

3.1On subsequent negative emotion

4Theory

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4.1Historical

4.2Modern

4.2.1Three dimensions of pain

5Evolutionary and behavioral role

6Thresholds

7Assessment

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7.1Visual analogue scale

7.2Multidimensional pain inventory

7.3Assessment in non-verbal people

7.4Other reporting barriers

7.5Diagnostic aid

7.6Physiological measurement

8Mechanisms

Toggle Mechanisms subsection

8.1Nociceptive

8.2Neuropathic

8.3Nociplastic

8.4Psychogenic

9Management

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9.1Medication

9.2Psychological

9.3Alternative medicine

10Epidemiology

11Society and culture

12Non-humans

13See also

14Explanatory notes

15References

16External links

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Pain

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Type of distressing feeling

This article is about physical pain. For mental or emotional pain, see Psychological pain. For other uses, see Pain (disambiguation).

Medical conditionPainAn illustration of wrist painSpecialtyNeurologyPain medicineSymptomsUnpleasant sensory and emotional sensations[1]DurationTypically depends on the causeTypesPhysical, psychological, psychogenicMedicationAnalgesic

Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage."[1]

Pain motivates organisms to withdraw from damaging situations, to protect a damaged body part while it heals, and to avoid similar experiences in the future.[2] Most pain resolves once the noxious stimulus is removed and the body has healed, but it may persist despite removal of the stimulus and apparent healing of the body. Sometimes pain arises in the absence of any detectable stimulus, damage or disease.[3]

Pain is the most common reason for physician consultation in most developed countries.[4][5] It is a major symptom in many medical conditions, and can interfere with a person's quality of life and general functioning.[6] People in pain experience impaired concentration, working memory, mental flexibility, problem solving and information processing speed, and are more likely to experience irritability, depression and anxiety.

Simple pain medications are useful in 20% to 70% of cases.[7] Psychological factors such as social support, cognitive behavioral therapy, excitement, or distraction can affect pain's intensity or unpleasantness.[8][9]

Etymology[edit]

First attested in English in 1297, the word peyn comes from the Old French peine, in turn from Latin poena meaning "punishment, penalty"[10][11] (also meaning "torment, hardship, suffering" in Late Latin) and that from Greek ποινή (poine), generally meaning "price paid, penalty, punishment".[12][13]

Classification[edit]

The International Association for the Study of Pain recommends using specific features to describe a patient's pain:

region of the body involved (e.g. abdomen, lower limbs),

system whose dysfunction may be causing the pain (e.g., nervous, gastrointestinal),

duration and pattern of occurrence,

intensity, and

cause[14]

Chronic versus acute[edit]

Main article: Chronic pain

Pain is usually transitory, lasting only until the noxious stimulus is removed or the underlying damage or pathology has healed, but some painful conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, cancer and idiopathic pain, may persist for years. Pain that lasts a long time is called "chronic" or "persistent", and pain that resolves quickly is called "acute". Traditionally, the distinction between acute and chronic pain has relied upon an arbitrary interval of time between onset and resolution; the two most commonly used markers being 3 months and 6 months since the onset of pain,[15] though some theorists and researchers have placed the transition from acute to chronic pain at 12 months.[16]: 93 Others apply "acute" to pain that lasts less than 30 days, "chronic" to pain of more than six months' duration, and "subacute" to pain that lasts from one to six months.[17] A popular alternative definition of "chronic pain", involving no arbitrarily fixed duration, is "pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing".[15] Chronic pain may be classified as "cancer-related" or "benign."[17]

Allodynia[edit]

Allodynia is pain experienced in response to a normally painless stimulus.[18] It has no biological function and is classified by characteristics of the stimuli as cold, heat, touch, pressure or pinprick.[18][19]

Phantom[edit]

Main article: Phantom pain

Phantom pain is pain felt in a part of the body that has been amputated, or from which the brain no longer receives signals. It is a type of neuropathic pain.[20]

The prevalence of phantom pain in upper limb amputees is nearly 82%, and in lower limb amputees is 54%.[20] One study found that eight days after amputation, 72% of patients had phantom limb pain, and six months later, 67% reported it.[21][22] Some amputees experience continuous pain that varies in intensity or quality; others experience several bouts of pain per day, or it may reoccur less often. It is often described as shooting, crushing, burning or cramping. If the pain is continuous for a long period, parts of the intact body may become sensitized, so that touching them evokes pain in the phantom limb. Phantom limb pain may accompany urination or defecation.[23]: 61–69

Local anesthetic injections into the nerves or sensitive areas of the stump may relieve pain for days, weeks, or sometimes permanently, despite the drug wearing off in a matter of hours; and small injections of hypertonic saline into the soft tissue between vertebrae produces local pain that radiates into the phantom limb for ten minutes or so and may be followed by hours, weeks or even longer of partial or total relief from phantom pain. Vigorous vibration or electrical stimulation of the stump, or current from electrodes surgically implanted onto the spinal cord, all produce relief in some patients.[23]: 61–69

Mirror box therapy produces the illusion of movement and touch in a phantom limb which in turn may cause a reduction in pain.[24]

Paraplegia, the loss of sensation and voluntary motor control after serious spinal cord damage, may be accompanied by girdle pain at the level of the spinal cord damage, visceral pain evoked by a filling bladder or bowel, or, in five to ten per cent of paraplegics, phantom body pain in areas of complete sensory loss. This phantom body pain is initially described as burning or tingling but may evolve into severe crushing or pinching pain, or the sensation of fire running down the legs or of a knife twisting in the flesh. Onset may be immediate or may not occur until years after the disabling injury. Surgical treatment rarely provides lasting relief.[23]: 61–69

Breakthrough[edit]

Breakthrough pain is transitory pain that comes on suddenly and is not alleviated by the patient's regular pain management. It is common in cancer patients who often have background pain that is generally well-controlled by medications, but who also sometimes experience bouts of severe pain that from time to time "breaks through" the medication. The characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain vary from person to person and according to the cause. Management of breakthrough pain can entail intensive use of opioids, including fentanyl.[25][26]

Asymbolia and insensitivity[edit]

Main articles: Pain asymbolia and Congenital insensitivity to pain

"Painless" redirects here. For other uses, see Painless (disambiguation).

A patient and doctor discuss congenital insensitivity to pain.

The ability to experience pain is essential for protection from injury, and recognition of the presence of injury. Episodic analgesia may occur under special circumstances, such as in the excitement of sport or war: a soldier on the battlefield may feel no pain for many hours from a traumatic amputation or other severe injury.[27]

Although unpleasantness is an essential part of the IASP definition of pain,[28] it is possible in some patients to induce a state known as pain asymbolia, described as intense pain devoid of unpleasantness, with morphine injection or psychosurgery.[29] Such patients report that they have pain but are not bothered by it; they recognize the sensation of pain but suffer little, or not at all.[30] Indifference to pain can also rarely be present from birth; these people have normal nerves on medical investigations, and find pain unpleasant, but do not avoid repetition of the pain stimulus.[31]

Insensitivity to pain may also result from abnormalities in the nervous system. This is usually the result of acquired damage to the nerves, such as spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus (diabetic neuropathy), or leprosy in countries where that disease is prevalent.[32] These individuals are at risk of tissue damage and infection due to undiscovered injuries. People with diabetes-related nerve damage, for instance, sustain poorly-healing foot ulcers as a result of decreased sensation.[33]

A much smaller number of people are insensitive to pain due to an inborn abnormality of the nervous system, known as "congenital insensitivity to pain".[31] Children with this condition incur carelessly-repeated damage to their tongues, eyes, joints, skin, and muscles. Some die before adulthood, and others have a reduced life expectancy.[citation needed] Most people with congenital insensitivity to pain have one of five hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (which includes familial dysautonomia and congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis).[34] These conditions feature decreased sensitivity to pain together with other neurological abnormalities, particularly of the autonomic nervous system.[31][34] A very rare syndrome with isolated congenital insensitivity to pain has been linked with mutations in the SCN9A gene, which codes for a sodium channel (Nav1.7) necessary in conducting pain nerve stimuli.[35]

Functional effects[edit]

Experimental subjects challenged by acute pain and patients in chronic pain experience impairments in attention control, working memory capacity, mental flexibility, problem solving, and information processing speed.[36] Pain is also associated with increased depression, anxiety, fear, and anger.[37]

If I have matters right, the consequences of pain will include direct physical distress, unemployment, financial difficulties, marital disharmony, and difficulties in concentration and attention…— Harold Merskey 2000[38]

On subsequent negative emotion[edit]

Although pain is considered to be aversive and unpleasant and is therefore usually avoided, a meta-analysis which summarized and evaluated numerous studies from various psychological disciplines, found a reduction in negative affect. Across studies, participants that were subjected to acute physical pain in the laboratory subsequently reported feeling better than those in non-painful control conditions, a finding which was also reflected in physiological parameters.[39] A potential mechanism to explain this effect is provided by the opponent-process theory.

Theory[edit]

Historical[edit]

Pain: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

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Types of Pain: Classifications and Examples to Help Describe Your Pain

Back pain - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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OverviewBack pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than age 60. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often will heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.Products & ServicesA Book: Back and Neck HealthA Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain ReliefProducts for Pain Relief, Mobility and SafetyShow more products from Mayo Clinic

SymptomsBack pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. Also, the pain can radiate down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking can make it worse.

When to see a doctorMost back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. Contact your health care provider for back pain that:

Lasts longer than a few weeks.

Is severe and doesn't improve with rest.

Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain goes below the knee.

Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.

Is paired with unexplained weight loss.

In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care for back pain that:

Causes new bowel or bladder problems.

Is accompanied by a fever.

Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury.

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CausesBack pain often develops without a cause that shows up in a test or imaging study. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:

Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. For people in poor physical condition, constant strain on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.

Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the bones in the spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, a bulging or ruptured disk might not cause back pain. Disk disease is often found on spine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs done for another reason.

Arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.

Osteoporosis. The spine's vertebrae can develop painful breaks if the bones become porous and brittle.

Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis. This inflammatory disease can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse. This makes the spine less flexible.

Risk factorsAnyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors can increase the risk of developing back pain:

Age. Back pain is more common with age, starting around age 30 or 40.

Lack of exercise. Weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen might lead to back pain.

Excess weight. Excess body weight puts extra stress on the back.

Diseases. Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.

Improper lifting. Using the back instead of the legs can lead to back pain.

Psychological conditions. People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain. Stress can cause muscle tension, which can contribute to back pain.

Smoking. Smokers have increased rates of back pain. This may occur because smoking causes coughing, which can lead to herniated disks. Smoking also can decrease blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

PreventionImproving one's physical condition and learning and practicing how to use the body might help prevent back pain.

To keep the back healthy and strong:

Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that don't strain or jolt the back — can increase strength and endurance in the back and allow the muscles to work better. Walking, bicycling and swimming are good choices. Talk with your health care provider about which activities to try.

Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen the core, help condition these muscles so that they work together to support the back.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles.

Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of low back pain. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so quitting should help reduce this risk.

Avoid movements that twist or strain the back. To use the body properly:

Stand smart. Don't slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off the lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.

Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back can maintain its normal curve. Keep knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half-hour.

Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible. If you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight — no twisting — and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.

Buyer bewareBecause back pain is common, many products promise prevention or relief. But there's no good evidence that special shoes, shoe inserts, back supports or specially designed furniture can help.

In addition, there doesn't appear to be one type of mattress that's best for people with back pain. It's probably a matter of what feels most comfortable.

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Mississippi man finds relief at Mayo Clinic for excruciating back painEdward Markle was desperate. Despite receiving nerve blocks from his doctors, Edward says the pain from two herniated discs had become excruciating and unrelenting. He could not sit or walk without pain. He slept on the floor, two hours a night. He was increasingly worried about the future. "It shut my quality of life down to almost zero," he says. "I couldn't move. I could not get out. I could not find a way to…

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Show references

Back pain: In depth. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/advanced. Accessed June 25, 2022.

Low back pain: Fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet. Accessed June 25, 2022.

Walls RM, et al., eds. Back pain. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 25, 2022.

Low back pain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain. Accessed June 25, 2022.

Knight CL, et al. Treatment of acute low back pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 25, 2022.

Hayden JA, et al. Some types of exercise are more effective than others in people with chronic low back pain: A network meta-analysis. Journal of Physiotherapy. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2021.09.004.

Bengtson KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Aug. 28, 2022.

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Pain: What it is and how to treat it

Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyAsthma & AllergiesAtopic DermatitisBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19DiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisPsoriatic ArthritisSexual HealthUlcerative ColitisWomen's HealthHealth ProductsHealth ProductsNutrition & FitnessVitamins & SupplementsCBDSleepMental HealthAt-Home TestingMen’s HealthWomen’s HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcasts2023 in medicineWhy exercise is key to living a long and healthy lifeWhat do we know about the gut microbiome in IBD?My podcast changed meCan 'biological race' explain disparities in health?Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gutToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsFind a DoctorBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsHealth ProductsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribeWhat is pain, and how do you treat it?Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — By Adam Felman — Updated on January 11, 2024CausesTypesDiagnosisRacism in pain managementTreatmentPeople feel pain when signals travel through nerve fibers to the brain for interpretation. Pain is typically the result of tissue damage and it allows the body to react to and prevent harm.The experience of pain is different for every person, and there are various ways to feel and describe pain. This variation can, in some cases, make it challenging to define and treat pain.Pain can be short- or long-term and stay in one place or spread around the body.In this article, we look at the different causes and types of pain, ways to diagnose it, and how to manage the sensation.CausesShare on PinterestTailex/Getty ImagesPeople feel pain when specific nerves called nociceptors detect tissue damage and transmit information about the damage along the spinal cord to the brain.For example, touching a hot surface will send a message through a reflex arc in the spinal cord and cause an immediate contraction of the muscles. This contraction will pull the hand away from the hot surface, limiting further damage.This reflex occurs before the message reaches the brain. Once the pain message arrives, it causes an individual to feel an unpleasant sensation — pain.The brain’s interpretation of these signals and the efficiency of the communication channel between the nociceptors and the brain dictate how an individual experiences pain.The brain may also release feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine, to counter the unpleasant effects of pain.In 2011, researchers estimated that pain costs the United States between $560 billion and $635 billion each year in treatment costs, lost wages, and missed days of work.TypesPain can be either acute or chronic.Acute painThis type of pain is generally intense and short-lived. It is how the body alerts a person to an injury or localized tissue damage. Treating the underlying injury usually resolves acute pain.Acute pain triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, often resulting in faster heartbeats and breathing rates.There are different types of acute pain:Somatic pain: A person feels this superficial pain on the skin or the soft tissues just below the skin.Visceral pain: This pain originates in the internal organs and the linings of cavities in the body.Referred pain: A person experiences visceral pain at a location other than the source of tissue damage. For example, people often experience shoulder pain during a heart attack.Chronic painThis type of pain lasts far longer than acute pain, and there is often no cure. Chronic pain can be mild or severe. It can also be continuous, such as in arthritis, or intermittent, as with a migraine episode. Intermittent pain occurs on repeated occasions but stops between flares.The fight-or-flight reactions eventually stop in people with chronic pain, as the sympathetic nervous system that triggers these reactions adapts to the pain stimulus.If enough cases of acute pain occur, they can create a buildup of electrical signals in the central nervous system (CNS) that overstimulate the nerve fibers.This effect is known as “windup,” which compares the buildup of electrical signals to a wind-up toy. Winding a toy with more intensity leads to the toy running faster for longer. Chronic pain works in the same way, which is why a person may feel pain long after the event that first caused it.Describing painThere are other, more specialized ways of describing pain.These include:Neuropathic pain: This pain occurs following injury to the peripheral nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It can feel like electric shocks or cause tenderness, numbness, tingling, or discomfort.Phantom pain: Phantom pain occurs after the amputation of a limb. It refers to painful sensations that feel as though they are coming from the missing limb.Central pain: This type of pain often occurs due to infarction, abscesses, tumors, degeneration, or bleeding in the brain and spinal cord. Central pain is ongoing, ranging from mild to extremely severe. People with central pain report burning, aching, and pressing sensations.Knowing how to describe pain can help a doctor provide a more specific diagnosis.DiagnosisAn individual’s subjective description of the pain will help the doctor make a diagnosis. There is no objective scale for identifying the type of pain, so the doctor will take a pain history.They will ask the individual to describe:the character of all pains, such as burning, stinging, or stabbingthe site, quality, and radiation of pain, meaning where a person feels the pain, what it feels like, and how far it seems to have spreadwhat factors aggravate and relieve the painthe times at which pain occurs throughout the dayits effect on the person’s daily function and moodthe person’s understanding of their painSeveral systems can identify and grade pain. However, the most important factor in getting an accurate diagnosis is clear communication between the individual and their doctor.Measuring painSome of the pain measures that doctors use are:Numerical rating scales: These measure pain on a scale of 0–10, where 0 means no pain at all, and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. It is useful for gauging how pain levels change in response to treatment or a deteriorating condition.Verbal descriptor scale: This scale may help a doctor measure pain levels in children with cognitive impairments, older adults, autistic people, and those with dyslexia. Instead of using numbers, the doctor asks different descriptive questions to narrow down the type of pain.Faces scale: The doctor shows the person in pain a range of expressive faces from distressed to happy. Doctors mainly use this scale with children. The method has also shown effective responses in autistic people.Brief pain inventory: This more detailed written questionnaire can help doctors gauge the effect of a person’s pain on their mood, activity, sleep patterns, and interpersonal relationships. It also charts the timeline of the pain to detect any patterns.McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ): The MPQ encourages people to choose words from 20 word groups to get an in-depth understanding of how the pain feels. Group 6, for example, is “tugging, pulling, wrenching,” while group 9 is “dull, sore, hurting, aching, heavy.”Other indicators of painWhen people with cognitive impairments cannot accurately describe their pain, there can still be clear indicators. These include:restlessnesscryingmoaning and groaninggrimacingresistance to carereduced social interactionsincreased wanderingnot eatingsleeping problemsThe doctor will either treat the underlying problem, if it is treatable, or prescribe pain-relieving treatment to manage the pain.Racism in pain managementThere is a prevalent myth that Black people feel pain differently from white people. Due to this, Black Americans often receive insufficient treatment for pain compared with their white counterparts.Racial bias in pain assessment and management is well-documented.For instance, a 2016 study revealed that half of white medical students and residents believed that Black people have thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings than white people.The research also showed that these misconceptions affected the medical personnel’s pain assessments and treatment recommendations. This indicates that healthcare professionals with these beliefs may not treat Black people’s pain appropriately.Eradicating racist stereotypes and biases are crucial steps toward addressing systemic inequities in healthcare.Read more about systemic racism in healthcare and health inequities here.Treatment and managementDoctors will treat different types of pain in different ways. A treatment that is effective against one type of pain may not relieve another.Acute pain treatmentTreating acute pain often involves taking medication.Often, this type of pain results from an underlying health issue, and treating it may relieve the pain without the need for pain management. For example, if a bacterial infection is causing a sore throat, antibiotics can treat the infection, easing the soreness as a result.AcetaminophenAcetaminophen is a type of analgesic, or pain reliever. It is an active ingredient in hundreds of medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs.Often known by the brand name Tylenol, acetaminophen can relieve pain and fever. Combined with other ingredients, it can help treat allergy symptoms, coughs, flu symptoms, and colds.Doctors often prescribe drugs that contain acetaminophen and other ingredients to treat moderate to severe pain. However, when taken in higher doses, acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. People should never exceed the recommended dosage.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)NSAIDs are another type of analgesic. They can reduce pain and help a person regain daily function. They are available over the counter or by prescription at a range of strengths. NSAIDs are suitable for minor acute pains, such as headaches, light sprains, and backaches.NSAIDs can relieve localized inflammation and pain that is due to swelling. These drugs may have side effects relating to the digestive system, including bleeding. Therefore, a doctor will monitor a person taking a high dosage.It is always important to read the packaging to check the maximum dosage and find out what is in an analgesic before taking it. People should never exceed the recommended dosage.OpioidsDoctors prescribe these drugs for the most extreme acute pains, such as those that result from surgery, burns, cancer, and bone fractures. Opioids are highly addictive, cause withdrawal symptoms, and lose effectiveness over time. They require a prescription.In situations involving severe trauma and pain, a doctor will carefully manage and administer the opioid dosage, gradually reducing the amount to minimize withdrawal symptoms.People should discuss all medication options carefully with a doctor and disclose any health conditions and current medications. Opioids may significantly affect the progression of several chronic diseases, including:chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)kidney diseaseliver problemsprevious substance use disorderdementiaOpioids can cause dangerous side effects in people with certain chronic diseases. For instance, they can cause respiratory depression, which can exacerbate the symptoms of COPD.Chronic pain treatmentA range of nondrug therapies can help relieve pain. These alternatives to medication may be more suitable for people experiencing chronic pain.These therapies include:Acupuncture: Inserting very fine needles at specific pressure points may reduce pain.Nerve blocks: These injections can numb a group of nerves that act as a source of pain for a specific limb or body part.Psychotherapy: Chronic pain often reduces the enjoyment of everyday activities and makes working difficult. Also, studies have found that chronic pain can lead to depression, and depression intensifies chronic pain. A psychotherapist can help a person implement changes to minimize the intensity of pain and build coping skills.Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS aims to stimulate the brain’s opioid and pain gate systems, thus providing relief.Surgery: Various surgeries on the nerves, brain, and spine are possible for treating chronic pain. These include rhizotomy, decompression, and electrical deep brain and spinal cord stimulation procedures.Biofeedback: Through this mind-body technique, a person can learn to control their organs and automatic processes, such as their heart rate, with their thoughts more effectively. Virtual reality may now play a role in the use of biofeedback in pain management, according to 2019 research.Relaxation therapies: These include a wide range of controlled relaxation techniques and exercises, mostly in the realm of alternative and complementary medicine. A person can try hypnosis, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, distraction techniques, tai chi, or a combination of these practices.Physical manipulation: A physiotherapist or chiropractor can sometimes help relieve pain by manipulating the tension from a person’s back.Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can aid in mobility and may help relieve chronic pain.Heat and cold: Using hot and cold packs can help. People can alternate these or select them according to the type of injury or pain. Some topical medications have a warming effect when a person applies them to the affected area.Rest: If pain occurs due to an injury or overworking a part of the body, rest may be the best option.With adequate pain management, it is possible to maintain daily activities, social engagement, and an active quality of life.Discover how yoga can help people who have fibromyalgia.Q: Is there any research on what the most painful type of injury is?AnonymousA:There is a lot of research on pain and varying reports on what is the most painful. Nerve pain — for example, cluster headaches, shingles, or a pinched spinal nerve from a herniated disc — often tops the charts.Deep visceral pain, such as the pain that occurs with peritonitis, childbirth, or kidney stones, ranks high on the worst pain scale. Burns are especially painful, depending on the severity.However, many factors affect the severity of pain, including the subjective tolerance of the individual.Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., RN, CRNAAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Was this helpful? Last medically reviewed on February 2, 2022Back PainBody AchesPain / AnestheticsHow we reviewed this article:SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acetaminophen information. (2017).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/acetaminophen-informationChronic pain. (n.d.).http://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Chronic-PainChronic pain information page. (n.d.).https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Chronic-Pain-Information-PageDepression and pain. (2017).https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/depression-and-painEdirisinghe, N. P., et al. (2019). Psychometric properties of Sinhala version of short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF MPQ-2-Sin) among patients with cancer pain in Sri Lanka.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6800901/Gaskin, D. J., et al. (2011). Appendix C, the economic costs of pain in the United States. Relieving pain in America: A blueprint for transforming prevention, care, education, and research.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92521/Hoffman, K. M., et al. (2016). Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843483/Ju, W., et al. (2019). Efficacy of relaxation therapy as an effective nursing intervention for post-operative pain relief in patients undergoing abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755420/Managing chronic pain: How psychologists can help with pain management. (2013).http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/pain-management.aspxMelzack, R. (2005). The McGill Pain Questionnaire: From description to measurement.https://anesthesiology.pubs.asahq.org/article.aspx?articleid=1942256Nerve blocks. (2018).https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=nerveblockSabin, J. A. (2020). How we fail black patients in pain.https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/how-we-fail-black-patients-painTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). (n.d.).http://www.electrotherapy.org/modality/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tensVenuturupalli, R. S., et al. (2019). Virtual reality–based biofeedback and guided meditation in rheumatology: A pilot study.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr2.11092Share this articleMedically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. — By Adam Felman — Updated on January 11, 2024Latest newsPVC, other microplastics found in clogged arteriesA natural compound derived from broccoli may help prevent and treat strokeA 'DNA diet' may help reduce type 2 diabetes risk, new study arguesCould an intervention as simple as eye drops treat eye damage in diabetes?How and why does gut health influence heart health?Related CoverageCauses of sharp lower back pain and how to remedy itMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACPThere are many possible causes of sharp lower back pain. 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Read on to find out the potential causes of these symptoms and the treatment options…READ MOREHow a poor night's sleep may trigger migraine headachesResearchers say a poor night's sleep or even the perception of unrestful sleep can predict or perhaps trigger a migraine headache the following dayREAD MOREAbout UsContact UsTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyPrivacy SettingsAdvertising PolicyHealth TopicsHealth HubsMedical AffairsContent IntegrityNewsletters© 2024 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. See additional information.© 2024 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. 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What is pain?

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. No two people feel pain the same way, even if the reasons for their pain are alike. Pain is a highly personal experience and a person’s report of their own pain is the best measure. Pain can feel mild or severe. Pain can include pricking, tingling, stinging, burning, shooting, aching, or electric sensations.

Pain is among the most important signals our body gives to help us survive. Pain can alert us to harmful changes in the body, like cancer, or help us learn to avoid something harmful, like touching a hot stove. In this way, some forms of pain keep us safe.

In other cases, pain exists or continues without any known cause or benefit. Pain that continues for longer than three months is called chronic pain. Chronic pain can happen without a known cause and persist after an injury or known cause is resolved. It can affect a person’s mood, relationships, movement, and all aspects of daily life. Pain can make it harder to do necessary tasks, work, and enjoy activities.

Patterns and types of pain

There are three primary patterns of pain, which are named based on how long the pain lasts and its frequency.

Acute pain: Acute pain starts suddenly and ends when its cause is treated or healed. The feeling of acute pain is usually sharp because it tends to act as a warning signal about a threat to the body from an injury, disease, overuse, or other environmental stress. Common causes for acute pain are strained muscles, broken bones, dental work, surgery, childbirth, infections, and/or burns.

Episodic pain: Episodic pain happens from time to time and may be at irregular intervals. It may be associated with a long-term medical condition, like sickle cell disease. Painful periods and chronic migraine are examples of episodic pain. It can happen out of nowhere or may be caused by known triggers.

Chronic pain: Chronic pain lasts for longer than three months or the expected healing time. In some cases, an acute pain condition might persist and become chronic pain. In other cases, chronic pain happens for no known reason. People might experience one or more chronic pain conditions, or chronic and acute pain, at the same time.

Pain can also be put into categories based on its most likely source. In many cases, pain fits in to more than one of these categories:

Nociceptive pain: This term is used to describe pain that is caused by tissue damage and/or inflammation. The sensation can be sharp, pricking, dull, or aching, depending on what caused the damage or inflammation. Examples of nociceptive pain are pain from a papercut, an infection, a broken bone, or osteoarthritis.

Neuropathic pain: This term is used to describe pain that is caused by nerve damage due to an injury or disease. Neuropathic pain sensations are often described as burning, tingling, shooting, or like electric shocks. Examples of conditions that cause neuropathic pain are diabetic neuropathy, shingles, and sciatica.

Nociplastic pain: This term is used to describe pain that is caused by changes in how the nervous system processes pain. The changes that cause nociplastic pain are not linked with a clear injury, tissue damage, inflammation, or disease. The sensations related to this kind of pain vary widely. Examples of nociplastic pain include fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and tension headaches.

What causes pain?

There is still much to learn about how and why people feel pain in different ways. Acute pain with an obvious cause (an infection or broken bone, for example) is much better understood than chronic pain. Research shows that factors and changes in the body (biological), the mind (psychological), and a person’s experiences with others along with the conditions in their environment (social) are all contributors to an individual’s experience of pain. For this reason, pain is known as a biopsychosocial experience.

Biological factors associated with pain include things like brain function and genetics. Psychological factors are things like mood and stress. Social factors include things like having (or not having) a support system or experiencing biased care. Each set of factors affects and impacts one another. Therefore, treatment for pain is both complex and individual.

Biological factors of pain

Many different biological factors are involved in the experience of pain, including the type of injury to the body, genetics and epigenetics, the nervous system, the immune system, and the endocrine system.

Genetics and epigenetics of pain

Each of us is born with a set of genes that we inherit from our parents. However, daily life stressors, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions influence which genes turn on or off over a person’s lifetime. This is the difference between genetics, or the study of genes and heredity, and epigenetics, or the study of how the environment and behaviors change how genes work.

Many genes play roles in how a person feels pain, their risk for developing chronic pain, and how well they respond to pain treatments. This risk comes from genes that control the function of body systems involved in pain and relief. It can also come from genes linked with medical conditions that cause pain. Although genetics might put someone at risk, epigenetics can influence whether that risk becomes a reality.

Previous research, for example, has shown that epigenetic changes following regular physical activity are linked with positive changes in a person’s pain experience. Other research has shown that intense emotional stress can cause epigenetic changes in pain-related genes that lead to worse pain outcomes. Newer research is helping us understand how experiences of long-term stress due to social factors like neighborhood, access to healthy food and good medical care, and other social determinants of health contribute to consistent group differences (called disparities) in pain, such as by race/ethnicity, sexual and gender identity, and socioeconomic status.

Pain and the nervous system

The human nervous system is made up of two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

The central nervous system includes the nerve cells that make up the brain and spinal cord. Brain systems involved in the experience of pain overlap with systems involved in the experience of emotions like fear, anxiety and anger, reward and motivation, attention and memory, and sensation. There are also brain systems that contribute to relief from pain. Research shows that changes in these brain systems might contribute to chronic pain risk.

The peripheral nervous system includes nerve cells that start in the spinal cord and extend out to other body parts. These nerve cells carry information between organs/muscles and the spinal cord, which links the information to the central nervous system.

Peripheral sensitization and central sensitization are terms to describe changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems that make a person more sensitive to pain and other sensations. These changes are one way some people develop chronic pain after an injury has resolved.

Symptoms of Nervous System Sensitivization

Hyperalgesia happens when something that is already painful to a person begins to feel even more painful to that person. Allodynia is the term for when something that previously was not painful to a person begins to feel painful. For example, a person might feel allodynia when light touches feel painful on sunburned skin. Global sensory hyperresponsiveness means the person is very sensitive to many or all sensations, including lights, noises, smells, and foods.

Pain and the immune system

The immune system helps protect the body from outside invaders, like bacteria and viruses, to avoid potential infection. One way the immune system provides protection is through inflammation. Inflammation is a reaction that happens when tissues are injured and damaged cells release chemicals that cause swelling and attract immune cells to “eat” the dead or damaged cells. This process helps with healing.

In some cases, the immune system is overprotective, and inflammation lasts longer than the expected healing time. This overprotection can backfire and contribute to more and longer lasting pain. Another way that the immune system can be overprotective is called autoimmunity, which happens when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. Some autoimmune conditions cause chronic inflammation and pain.

The endocrine system

The endocrine system is responsible for making hormones, which are a type of chemical messenger that carries instructions throughout the body. Stress-related hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can send messages that make the feeling of pain more intense or less intense. This is partly why finding helpful ways of coping with stress can help lower pain intensity. Additionally, research shows that chronic pain may lead to changes in the way the endocrine system functions over time.

Psychological factors that contribute to pain

Fear and avoidance

Imagine this scenario: Jason injured his back while lifting a box at work. His health care provider tells him not to lift heavy things for a few months to heal. But after Jason’s back feels better and he is cleared to return to regular activities, he is still worried about re-injuring his back. This is an understandable fear. But this avoidance of lifting things has been affecting Jason’s work and home life. He also avoids doing his physical therapy exercises, making his muscles weaker over time. His mood and stress levels are also affected.

This scenario is an example of the fear-avoidance model of pain. Although fear and avoidance can help protect a person from dangerous situations, they can also hinder recovery from acute pain and play a role in the transition to chronic pain. Avoidance also contributes to disability and often stops a person from doing the things they enjoyed before the pain started, which can affect a person’s mental health.

Emotions, mood, and mental health

It is common for pain, especially chronic pain, to affect a person’s emotions and mood. For example, many people with chronic pain describe times when they feel anger, worry, sadness, guilt, grief, defeat, hopelessness, frustration, depression, or anxiety.

While pain can influence a person’s mood, emotions, and mental health, those factors can also influence a person’s experience of pain. This exchange happens partly because the brain systems involved in emotions, mood, some mental health conditions, and pain overlap. Research shows that major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sleep problems commonly co-occur with chronic pain. Getting necessary support to help manage the emotions, moods, and mental health conditions that co-occur with pain has been shown to improve chronic pain symptoms.

Resilience

Resilience reflects a person’s ability to bounce back and adapt from life’s challenges, such as living with chronic pain. Being resilient does not mean a person is free from worries, anxiety, sadness, anger, or grief about their pain. These emotions are normal and understandable responses to the experience of living with pain. Instead, being resilient means using personal strengths to adapt to the challenges of pain. Examples are a person’s social supports and community, ability to solve problems, humor, use of coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing, prayer), and activities that bring more joy to their life.

Resilience is not something a person is born with or without. Resilience is easier on some days than others and can be built and strengthened with support and practice.

Beliefs and thoughts about pain

Research shows that thoughts and beliefs about pain also affect a person’s experience of pain. There are some common thinking styles that co-occur with chronic pain. They often happen so naturally that they are called “automatic” thoughts.

Ongoing concerns about pain: There are a lot of unknowns when living with chronic pain. Will it ever go away? Will it get worse? These kinds of normal concerns can lead to hopelessness, anxiety, and depression when they continue for a long time.

“Should” statements: Pain can change the way a person lives their life, causing them to reduce or even stop some activities. Sometimes, a person might feel pressure to live life in the same way they did before. One might experience thoughts that could cause feelings of frustration, anger, and disappointment when expectations don’t align with reality (for example, “I should still be able to do this perfectly,” or “My pain should get better right away.”).

Self-blame: If chronic pain starts after an accident or medical condition, a person might blame themselves for the pain being triggered (for example “If only I hadn’t driven to work that morning,”). But, predicting an accident or the onset of a medical condition is often outside of a person’s control.

These beliefs and thinking styles don’t just come out of thin air. They come from a person’s previous experiences and can be a normal reaction to difficult circumstances. But, they can lead to negative emotions and increase pain symptoms. Getting necessary support to figure out which pain beliefs are helpful, and which might not currently apply or might get in the way of recovery, has been shown to improve chronic pain symptoms.

Social factors that contribute to pain

The social determinants of health include the quality of the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and grow older that affect health outcomes. They also include the wider set of policies and systems that shape the conditions of daily life. Some examples of social determinants of health include economic stability, access to quality education and healthcare, living in neighborhoods with safe places to walk, and having close relationships.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the wider set of policies and systems include economic policies, development agendas, social norms, social policies, racism, climate change, and political systems. These can affect racial/ethnic, sexual and gender, and socioeconomic groups in unjust ways. Unjust differences in health are known as health inequities. For example, Black and Native Americans are more likely to have chronic pain that interferes with major daily activities yet are less likely to be referred for specialty pain services than non-Hispanic White Americans.

Compared to our understanding of the biological and psychological factors involved in the experience of pain, less is known about the role of the social determinants of health. New research in this area is ongoing and will help address inequities in pain and pain care.

How is pain diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing pain

Pain is a subjective experience, meaning only the person experiencing pain can describe how much pain they feel and how it impacts their life. Research efforts are ongoing to find biological markers that can help clinicians diagnose why a person is experiencing pain. After learning about a person’s pain history and other medical concerns, a health care provider may conduct physical exams, clinical assessments, and order diagnostic tests and imaging to diagnose or rule out conditions causing or associated with pain.

Health care providers can use the following tools to help identify the cause of pain, including but not limited to:

Physical and neurological examinations are one of the first steps to diagnosing the cause of a person’s pain. In these exams, the doctor tests movement, reflexes, sensation, balance, and coordination. Physical examination can also detect areas of inflammation, joint or other swelling, and poor circulation.

Laboratory tests (e.g., blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid) can help the doctor diagnose infection, cancer, problems with a person’s nutrition or hormones, and other conditions that may cause pain.

Imaging, especially MRI (magnetic resonance imaging ) and CT (computer assisted tomography) scans or ultrasound. These provide a look inside the body's structures and tissues. Other examinations for particular types of pain may include tests that look into the digestive system or pelvic area like endoscopy, colonoscopy, or laparoscopy.

Electrodiagnostic procedures like nerve conduction studies and electromyography and electrocardiography can also help identify and diagnose causes of pain and pain-related conditions.

Psychological assessments can help identify psychological factors that might be contributing to pain as well as providing coping strategies.

Treating pain

The goal of pain management is to improve quality of life and function—allowing the person to work, attend school, and participate in daily activities. Treatment options will vary depending on the type of pain, its duration, and the person’s access to care.

The biopsychosocial approach explained above is the best way to prevent, assess, and treat chronic pain. This approach uses an interdisciplinary team of health care providers from different specialties to help meet a person’s health and pain goals. Pain management teams may include pain management specialists, specialists on any other medical conditions the person may have, nurses, mental health providers, physical or occupational therapists, complementary or integrative health providers, and/or social workers.

While not all pain is curable, all pain can be managed. No current treatments have been proven effective in treating all types of pain or in every person. People living with pain should work with their health care team to decide which treatments might be best for them. Common forms of pain management include medications, medical procedures and devices, behavioral approaches along with physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and complementary health approaches. These treatments are often combined to try to optimize care for an individual.

Medications and substances to treat pain

Medications to treat pain include analgesics, such as common pain medications like acetaminophen, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen), and prescription opioids. Antiseizure and antidepressant medications can also help relieve pain for some people and may be most effective for neuropathic pain. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to reduce tension in muscles and can help manage musculoskeletal pain. Some topical pain creams and gels are also available to help with muscle and joint pain. Some people use cannabis to help treat their pain. Studies are ongoing to learn about its safety and effectiveness for pain.

Medical procedures and devices

Electrical stimulation of nerves or soft tissue is effective for treating pain in some people. There are several devices and procedures that provide electrical stimulation to relieve pain, including:

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), which delivers low electrical pulses through the skin to the nerve fibers to help relieve pain for a short time.

Peripheral nerve stimulation, in which electrodes are placed under the skin near peripheral nerves where a person experiences pain. Low intensity electrical pulses are sent to the nerve site.

Spinal cord stimulation, in which electrodes are placed under the skin to send electrical pulses to the spinal cord.

Doctors may suggest injections to block pain that is in a specific area of the body. This may include steroid injections to reduce inflammation and immune system activity, botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox®) for chronic migraines, or trigger point injections to help relieve pain caused by knots in muscles and surrounding tissues.

Other procedures that may help relieve pain for some people include nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and surgery.

Nerve blocks use a local anesthetic to temporarily interrupt the relay of pain messages between specific areas of the body and the brain. An epidural is a common nerve block used to treat pain during childbirth.

Radiofrequency ablation uses a radio wave to heat up and destroy a small area of pain nerve tissue to stop pain signals to the brain.

Surgery may be helpful for cases when pain is caused by something that can be fixed with surgery, such as endometriosis lesions in the pelvis, a tumor, or joint arthritis.

Behavioral medicine and physical therapy

Several behavioral and physical therapies have been found effective for treating pain in some people. These include:

Biofeedback, which helps people learn how to control body functions involved in stress reactions (heart rate, breathing rate, and muscle tension).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a form of talk therapy, helps individuals build skills to cope with the emotional toll of having pain and any associated mental health conditions. These skills may include scheduling daily activities and building sleep routines, addressing thoughts and emotions that can increase pain, relaxation strategies, and mindfulness techniques.

Counseling, which can help support people living with pain through difficult times.

Physical therapy, which can help a person recover after injury or surgery and manage chronic pain. This can include physical activity like low-impact cardio, mobility, flexibility, and strength training.

Lifestyle changes and aides

Making changes to a person’s lifestyle by adopting a different diet or exercise routine can also help reduce pain in some people. For example, anti-inflammatory diets can help with some conditions that cause pain by reducing inflammation in the body. Exercise and physical activity can also help people with pain conditions build flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

Complementary and integrative health

Research has shown that some complementary health approaches can improve pain in some people. These include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, tai chi, and others.

Pain treatments are not always successful in treating pain and may not be appropriate for everyone.

What are the latest updates on pain?

Scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including NINDS, are at the forefront of pain research. More than 20 institutes and centers at NIH support pain research and are members of the NIH Pain Consortium, which identifies, coordinates, and supports pain research initiatives, activities, and strategic planning at NIH.

NINDS funds a broad range of pain research, including exploration of pain neural pathways and the mechanisms of the perception of pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and the transition from acute to chronic pain. NINDS also supports the exploration and development of new therapies for pain, and funds research on potential new targets for pain treatments as well as clinical trials testing new pain treatments.

The Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative®, is an aggressive NIH-wide effort to improve prevention and treatment strategies for opioid use disorder and enhance pain management. While many strategies are being used to reverse the opioid overdose epidemic, there is an urgent need to develop more effective treatments for pain while reducing the potential for misuse. The HEAL Initiative focuses on understanding the biological underpinnings of chronic pain and accelerating the discovery and development of novel non-addictive and effective pain treatments through the clinical pipeline.

The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative is a national effort to accelerate the development and application of new technologies to provide unprecedented access to the inner workings of the nervous system. Scientists working with the BRAIN Initiative are studying ways to modulate neural circuitry to reduce pain.

Research projects on pain and other disorders can be found using NIH RePORTER, a searchable database of current and past research projects supported by NIH and other federal agencies. RePORTER also includes links to publications from these projects and other resources.

For research articles and summaries on pain, search PubMed, which contains citations from medical journals and other sites.

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Learn About Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with pain?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about pain. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with pain at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about pain?

Information may be available from the following organizations and resources:

American Chronic Pain Association

Phone: 916-632-0922 or 800-533-3231

American Headache Society

Phone: 856-423-0043

Arthritis Foundation

Phone: 844-571-4357

National Headache Foundation

Phone: 312-274-2650 or 888-643-5552

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)Phone: 301-496-8190 or 877-22-226-4267

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)Phone: 301-496-4261

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)Phone: 301-443-1124 or 800-729-6686

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Peripheral Neuropathy

Shingles

Trigeminal Neuralgia

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Pain Classifications and Causes: Nerve Pain, Muscle Pain, and More

Skip to main content Home Conditions Back Conditions View All ADD/ADHDAllergiesArthritisAtrial fibrillationBreast CancerCancerCrohn's DiseaseDepressionDiabetesDVTEczemaEye HealthHeart DiseaseHIV & AIDSLung DiseaseLupusMental HealthMultiple SclerosisMigrainePain ManagementPsoriasisPsoriatic ArthritisRheumatoid ArthritisSexual ConditionsSkin ProblemsSleep DisordersUlcerative Colitis View All Drugs & Supplements Back Drugs & SupplementsDrugsSupplementsPill IdentifierInteraction CheckerWell-Being Back Well-Being View All Aging WellBabyBirth ControlChildren's HealthDiet & Weight ManagementFitness & ExerciseFood & RecipesHealthy BeautyMen's HealthParentingPet HealthPregnancySex & RelationshipsTeen HealthWomen's Health View All Symptom CheckerFind a DoctorMore Back MoreNewsBlogsPodcastsWebinarsNewslettersWebMD MagazineBest HospitalsSupport GroupsOrthopedics Privacy & More Subscribe Log In Search Subscribe Pain ManagementPain Management GuideTypes of PainSymptoms & CausesTests & DiagnosisTreatmentLiving WithSupport & ResourcesEn Español View Full Guide Pain Classifications and Causes: Nerve Pain, Muscle Pain, and MoreMedically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on January 12, 2023 Written by Joseph SalingAcute Pain and Chronic PainOther Ways Pain Is ClassifiedPain Caused by Tissue DamagePain Caused by Nerve Damage5 min read It's safe to say most of us are not big fans of pain. But it is one of the body's most important communication tools. Think about what would happen if you felt nothing when you put your hand on a hot stove. Pain is one way the body tells you something's wrong and needs attention.But pain – whether it comes from a bee sting, a broken bone, or a long-term illness – is also something that feels bad both physically and emotionally. It has many causes, and people respond to it in many different ways. The pain you push your way through might be unbearable to someone else.Even though the experience of pain is different from one person to the next, it is possible to group the types of pain. Here's an overview of the types of pain and what makes them different from one another.Acute Pain and Chronic PainThere are several ways to classify pain. One is to separate it into acute pain and chronic (long-term) pain. Acute pain usually comes on suddenly and lasts for a limited time. Some type of damage to tissue – such as bone, muscle, or organs – often causes it. When it happens, it can cause anxiety or other emotional issues. Chronic pain lasts longer than acute pain. It generally can somewhat resist medical treatment. It's usually linked to a long-term illness, such as osteoarthritis. In some cases, such as with fibromyalgia, pain is one of the main traits of the condition. Chronic pain can be the result of damaged tissue. But very often, nerve damage is behind it.Both acute and chronic pain can be overwhelming. And both can affect and be affected by a person's state of mind. But the nature of chronic pain – the fact that it's ongoing and in some cases seems almost constant – can make you more likely to get mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. At the same time, these issues can make the pain worse.About 70% of people who take medication for chronic pain have what's called breakthrough pain. Those are flare-ups of pain that happen even when you're taking your pain meds regularly. Sometimes breakthrough pain can come out of the blue. Or it can be set off by something that seems unimportant, such as rolling over in bed. And sometimes it may happen when pain medication wears off before it's time for the next dose.Other Ways Pain Is ClassifiedPain is most often grouped by the kind of damage that causes it. The two main types are pain caused by tissue damage (also called nociceptive pain) and pain caused by nerve damage (also called neuropathic pain). A third category is psychogenic pain, which is pain that is affected by psychological factors. Psychogenic pain most often has a physical origin either in tissue damage or nerve damage. But the pain gets worse or lasts longer because of things like fear, depression, stress, or anxiety. In some cases, pain comes from a psychological condition.Pain is also classified by the type of tissue that's involved or by the part of the body that's affected. For example, pain may be referred to as muscle pain or joint pain. Or a doctor may ask you about chest pain or back pain.Certain types of pain are referred to as syndromes. For instance, myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain that starts in trigger points in the body's muscles. Fibromyalgia is an example.Pain Caused by Tissue DamageMost pain comes from tissue damage – when your body's tissues are injured. The injury can be to bone, soft tissue, or organs. It can come from a disease such as cancer. Or it can come from a physical injury, like a cut or a broken bone.The pain you feel may be an ache, a sharp stabbing, or a throbbing. It could come and go, or it could be constant. You may feel the pain get worse when you move or laugh. Sometimes, breathing deeply might make it feel especially strong.Pain from tissue damage can be acute. For example, sports injuries like a sprained ankle or turf toe often happen when soft tissue is damaged. Or it can be chronic, such as arthritis or chronic headaches. And certain medical treatments, such as radiation for cancer, can also cause tissue damage that causes pain.Pain Caused by Nerve DamageNerves work like electric cables sending signals – including pain signals – to and from the brain. Damage to nerves can interfere with the way those signals are sent. That can cause pain signals that don’t work the way they are supposed to. For instance, you may feel like your hand or whatever is burning, even though there’s no heat. Diseases such as diabetes can damage nerves. Or an injury can damage them. Certain chemotherapy drugs may cause nerve damage. Nerves can also be damaged by a stroke or an HIV infection, among other things. Pain could be from damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Or it could come from damage to peripheral nerves, those nerves in the rest of the body that send signals to the CNS.Pain caused by nerve damage, neuropathic pain, is often described as burning or prickling. Some people describe it as an electrical shock. Others say it’s like pins and needles or a stabbing feeling. Some people with nerve damage are often very sensitive to temperature and to touch. Just a light touch, like brushing against a bed sheet, can set off the pain.A lot of neuropathic pain is chronic. Examples of pain caused by damaged nerves include:Central pain syndrome. This chronic pain starts with damage to the central nervous system. The damage can be from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, or several other conditions. The pain – which is usually constant and may be very bad – can affect a large part of the body or smaller areas, such as the hands or feet. Movement, touch, emotions, and temperature changes can often make the pain worse. Complex regional pain syndrome. This is a chronic pain syndrome that can follow a serious injury. It's described as constant burning. And you might have unusual sweating, changes in skin color, or swelling where the pain is.Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Diabetes causes nerve damage that affects the feet, legs, hands, or arms. It might feel like burning, stabbing, or tingling.Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. It’s a localized infection with a rash and pain that can be very bad. It happens on one side of the body along the pathway of a nerve. Postherpetic neuralgia is a common problem that comes up, in which the pain from shingles lasts more than a month.Trigeminal neuralgia. Inflammation of a nerve in the face causes pain described as very serious and lightning-like. It can happen in the lips, scalp, forehead, eye, nose, gums, cheek, and chin on one side of the face. Touching certain areas or even slight motion can set off the pain. Sources Update History ShareSOURCES:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Pain: Hope Through Research."Merck: "Pain: Types."American Chronic Pain Association: "Managing Breakthrough Pain."Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Medical Center (StopPain.org): "Myofascial Pain Syndrome."American Chronic Pain Association: "Understanding Nerve Pain."National Pain Foundation: "Neuropathic Pain."National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "NINDS Central Pain Syndrome Information Page."How we keep our content up to date:Our medical and editorial staff closely follow the health news cycle, new research, drug approvals, clinical practice guidelines and other developments to ensure our content receives appropriate and timely updates. January 12, 2023Medically Reviewed by: Carol DerSarkissian, MD View privacy policy, copyright and trust info Share View privacy policy, copyright and trust info Next Chronic PainMore on Pain ManagementAlternative Therapy For Pain ManagementPain Management Treatment OverviewBest Exercises for a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksAbdominal PainArthritisBack PainCarpal Tunnel SyndromeFibromyalgiaHip PainKnee PainFoot PainLupusMigraineNerve PainOsteoarthritisRheumatoid ArthritisPain Topics NewsPain Topics ReferencePain Topics SlideshowsPain Topics QuizzesPain Topics BlogPain Topics VideosFind a NeurologistFind an OrthopedistMedicationsPill IdentifierCheck for Drug InteractionsDrug Comparison ToolPoliciesPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyEditorial PolicyAdvertising PolicyCorrection PolicyTerms of UseAboutContact UsAbout WebMDCareersNewsletterCorporateWebMD Health ServicesSite MapAccessibilityOur AppsWebMD MobileWebMD AppPregnancyBabyAllergyFor AdvertisersAdvertise with UsAdvertising Policy © 2005 - 2024 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. 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Pain is a signal in your nervous system that something may be wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen, chest, pelvis, or you may feel pain all over.

Pain can be helpful in diagnosing a problem. If you never felt pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment.

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain usually comes on suddenly, because of a disease, injury, or inflammation. It can often be diagnosed and treated. It usually goes away, though sometimes it can turn into chronic pain. Chronic pain lasts for a long time, and can cause severe problems.

Pain is not always curable, but there are many ways to treat it. Treatment depends on the cause and type of pain. There are drug treatments, including pain relievers. There are also non-drug treatments, such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

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