Chronic pain

Chronic pain is pain that continues for 3 months or longer. Chronic pain may be triggered by a disease or injury, or the cause may not be clear.

Symptoms may include:

• Mild to severe pain that does not go away as expected.
• Pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical.
• Discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness.

Treatment usually includes behavioral therapy and a combination of medications (such as pain relievers or antidepressants), physical therapy, and exercise. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or yoga also may be used to treat chronic pain.