Pain serves a useful purpose and is your body’s warning that something is wrong.
If you step on a sharp object or put your hand on a hot stove, the pain lets you know right away that you are hurt and need to protect yourself.
You might think pain comes from an injured body part, such as your knee or back. Even though a body part may be hurt, the pain you feel is produced in your brain.
There are two types of pain. Acute pain is temporary and could last up to six months. It is caused by something specific, such as a broken bone, a cut, or childbirth. If left untreated, the pain could become chronic.
Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 U.S. adults. It results from a past injury or illness, such as tissue damage or arthritis, and lasts longer than six months. Chronic pain:
- Increases stress levels.
- Disrupts sleep.
- Encourages unhealthy behaviors like:
- Avoiding movement.
- Using tobacco.
- Alcohol use.
- Medication abuse.
- Overeating.
These behaviors promote chronic pain to last longer. Chronic pain harms everyday living, such as work, friendships, and daily thoughts.
Avoid quick fixes. Injections and surgery are discouraged for managing day-to-day pain once your doctor has ruled out anything serious. Treatments such as physical therapy and continuous movement are better long-term solutions.
Pain, no matter what kind, is produced in the brain. You can retrain your brain in how it recognizes pain signals and interrupt pain differently. If you think, feel, and expect positive things, your brain produces chemicals that help you with pain and strengthen your immune system. These chemicals create a positive feedback loop to help you feel better and improve your mood.
References
- National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 2019.