Facts and Tips about Chronic Pain

Kamiah A. Walker
Medical Writer
SpineUniverse
Wheaton, IL

There are two types of pain: nociceptive and neuropathic.
In the United States, the estimated annual cost of chronic pain is $100 billion (1).
Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, cancer, and heart disease combined (1). That's because it's associated with so many chronic conditions.
Chronic pain doesn't always have an identifiable cause.
Fibromyalgia, a common chronic pain condition, usually starts with physical trauma and then develops into a chronic pain.
It's important to remain active and exercise, even if you have chronic pain.
Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than 6 months. It may be constant, or it may come and go.
Chronic pain is often treated with a multi-disciplinary approach that may include physical therapy, medications, psychology, and exercise.
Mind-body therapies, such as meditation, can help control chronic pain.

Last Updated: 06/25/2009