The Facts
Everyone has experienced pain at some time or other. A cut, a sports
injury, childbirth, surgery, or kidney stones all can produce varying degrees
of pain. In these cases, the pain has a known cause and resolves when the cause
is no longer there. This type of pain is acute pain. Acute pain performs
a function - it warns the body of problem. Chronic pain, pain lasting
months or years, is much different. The pain is rarely still performing a function.
Chronic pain can be quite disabling, often preventing people from working and
enjoying life. It can lead to people feeling isolated, angry, frustrated, and
guilty.