Chronic pain refers to pain that lasts more than three months. It can last for a long time or just occasionally. It can occur anywhere on your body. Chronic pain has been on the rise. An estimated 10-20% of people report experiencing recurrent or chronic pain. Chronic pain is not a result of a physical exam or X-ray changes. Instead, it is influenced by ‘psychosocial variables’ such as mood, stress, and the social environment in which the pain occurs.

Chronic pain can make it difficult to do your daily activities such as work, socializing, and caring for yourself and others. This can cause depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping which can all make your pain worse. This creates a vicious circle that is difficult to break.   

What’s the difference between chronic pain and other pain?

Acute pain is a different type of pain than chronic pain. Acute pain is when you are injured, such as a cut on your skin or a fractured bone. The pain doesn’t last and disappears once your body heals from the injury. Chronic pain, on the other hand, can last long after an injury or illness has healed. Sometimes, it can even happen without any obvious cause.