Acute Pain and Chronic Pain

Acute pain occurs when the body tells the brain there is something is wrong with our bodies. Pain that occurs in this manner is a good thing. It is our body's way of telling us something is wrong. An example of this type of pain would be a tooth ache from a decayed tooth. However, once the tooth is fixed, the pain stops. With chronic pain it doesn't stop and for many that pain is a daily occurrence.

Chronic pain is any pain lasting longer than six months or that occurs beyond the usual course of a disease, or beyond reasonable time for an injury to heal. Chronic pain can be caused by diseases, syndromes, injuries, or surgeries. One of the hardest parts of dealing with chronic pain is that no one else can feel our pain. Since pain is a feeling generated within our own bodies and interpreted by our own brain, no one can know exactly what we feel.

Impact of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain negatively impacts all aspects of an individual's life, including emotional, vocational, financial and social elements. The entire family is dramatically affected by the chronic pain of any family member. Many who live in chronic pain feel isolated because they can no longer work or they must drop out of their normal activities, thus further isolating themselves from friends and family.

If you or someone you know have chronic pain, you will benefit greatly from the support you will receive in our forum at MSN Groups. For more information about our message board and chat rooms, click here. And remember, you don't have to be alone with your pain.

Check out the links below for more information on pain:

Coping | Pain and Depression | Pain Causes

PLEASE NOTE! Any information you read on the web, including our site, message boards, or chat room, should not replace the advice of your health care providers. Additionally, our group is not comprised of Health Care Professionals and do not provide health care advice. You should never make changes to your diet, treatment plan, or exercise regimen without consulting your physician.

Last Updated: November 27, 2003