Just about everyone gets aches or pains at some point. But for some people, pain is a constant presence in their lives. Normally, we experience pain as a result of a specific injury. The sensation lets us know something has happened, so we can take appropriate action. But chronic pain is different.
Chronic pain lasts.
The pain may start with a specific incident, such as a sprain. Or there may be an underlying condition or disease such as arthritis or a so-called slipped disc which causes chronic pain. In addition, some people suffer chronic pain without having experienced any apparent past injury, and many of these people spend years trying to pinpoint the source of their pain. If you or someone you love is experiencing chronic pain, it's important to see a doctor to rule out specific underlying causes that require immediate medical treatment. Treating chronic pain Because the causes of chronic pain are so varied, there is no single treatment that can work for everyone.