Understanding Chronic Pain
Pain is an important part of the body's protective mechanism. Acute pain occurs in response to injury and is a signal that the affected area requires attention. Chronic pain (pain persisting for months), however, can often persist without evidence of acute injury and therefore may not provide any such protection.
The American Chronic Pain Society (ACPS) estimates that 50 million people in the United States suffer from some type of chronic pain.
Chronic pain is more than just a symptom of a disease; many doctors consider non-malignant chronic pain to be a disease itself, and feel it should be treated alongside any underlying disease condition that may exist.
Pain which starts off acutely may become the first step in a complex negative cycle of events leading to fear of movement, physical and mental deconditioning and resultant chronic pain. Even if the underlying condition is no longer present, the chronic pain cycle can cause a significant negative impact on quality of life.
