Chronic pain is pain that lasts for at least three to six months after an injury or illness, particularly after the original cause of pain has healed. When chronic pain causes other symptoms, like depression and anxiety, that interfere with daily life, this is called chronic pain syndrome. Around 25 percent of people with chronic pain develop chronic pain syndrome.
Doctors don't know the exact cause of chronic pain syndrome, but it usually starts with an injury or a condition that causes pain. Some experts think that people who develop chronic pain syndrome may experience pain differently than other people, while other experts say that it's a learned response to pain.
Depending on the cause of your pain and symptoms, treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Counseling or behavioral therapy
- Pain medications
- Stretching exercises
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Occupational therapy
- Medication and other relaxation techniques
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Biofeedback
- Nerve blocks
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
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Neurosurgery
We provide comprehensive surgical treatment of the spine for trauma, degenerative conditions, congenital problems, and more. Our surgeons are experts in less invasive surgical tec…
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Functional Neurosurgery
When a neurological disorder disrupts your daily life, our team can provide state-of-the-art treatment and compassionate care to help you get back to your life.