What is Pain?

The basic definition of pain is an experience of suffering or distress; a throbbing headache, a sharp cut, etc. Pain generally acts as a protective mechanism for the body, but sometimes the body’s pain response can malfunction, leading to persistent or chronic pain.

Acute pain is created by the body’s response to damage. The nervous system generates signals that create an unpleasant sensation when interpreted by the brain, alerting the body to current or potential threats. When functioning properly, pain is adaptive, and serves an important purpose: it teaches the body how, when and what to avoid in order to stay alive.

However, certain conditions may make pain less useful and more problematic, and it becomes known as chronic pain, which is maladaptive. This type of pain can prevent our ability to engage in normal activity rather than protect it.

What is Chronic Pain?

Acute pain is sudden, sharp, and typically caused by something specific — a burned hand, a broken bone, or surgery. This type of pain has a clear source, and tends to resolve once the issue has been treated and the injury has healed, usually in a matter of weeks. Any pain lasting three or more months is considered chronic pain, and is no longer protective.

Chronic pain can stem from an improperly healed injury, persistent conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, or a malfunctioning nervous system. Because the exact source may be difficult to identify and treat, effectively addressing chronic pain may require a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes.