When someone touches a hot stove and burns their fingers, a little pain is normal. In fact, it’s a healthy reaction to a threat in the environment , warning that person to change their behavior immediately. But sometimes the pain lingers long after the danger has passed, becoming chronic.
Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Pain
When an injury occurs, pain sensors light up, sending messages via an electrical signal to the brain. Normal pain—as in a minor headache—can be relieved by a few aspirins or the passage of time. But chronic pain is something different; the brain continues to receive pain signals long after the original injury or onset of pain.
Pain from a chronic condition can range from a dull ache to throbbing agony. Other symptoms may include exhaustion, daytime fatigue, poor sleep, or mood swings. Sometimes the pain is severe enough to interfere with day-to-day functioning and enjoyment. Chronic pain can also lead to cognitive problems and, in some cases, depression .
Generally, any pain that lasts three months or longer is considered chronic. For those who are lucky, it will end within months, but for others, chronic pain can go on indefinitely.
While anyone can suffer from chronic pain, people are more susceptible if they are female, over 65 years old, overweight , depressed, or have a history of smoking . Having surgery can also increase a person’s chances of getting chronic pain.
Explore More About Chronic Pain
For a comprehensive understanding of chronic pain, read our complete guide: