You may have trouble sleeping. You may be taking several pain medications and may be functioning poorly at home and on the job. Pain usually starts as the result of some injury to the body. The pain you feel, however, depends on a combination of responses by your body and your brain. Each person experiences pain differently.
Acute pain lasts only a short time.
It has a distinct beginning and a clear cause. In contrast, chronic pain usually lasts more than 3 months and often produces a greater reaction than is usual for the cause. It leaves you distressed and unable to function normally. Your chronic pain will need to be evaluated thoroughly. Your health care provider will take a complete medical history.