Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system. Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen or chest or you may feel pain all over, such as when your muscles ache from the flu.
Pain can be helpful. Without pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment. Once you take care of the problem, pain usually goes away. However, sometimes pain goes on for weeks, months or even years. This is called chronic pain. Sometimes chronic pain is due to an ongoing cause, such as cancer or arthritis. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat pain. Treatment varies depending on the cause of pain. Pain relievers, acupuncture and sometimes surgery are helpful.
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Chronic Pain: How to Get Relief(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/551.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/pain/disorders/551.printerview.html
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Pain: Hope through Research(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/detail_chronic_pain.htm
Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/dolor.htm
- Chronic Pain(American Geriatrics Society) - http://www.americangeriatrics.org/education/forum/chronicpain.shtml
- Chronic Pain(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/chronic_pain.htm
- Pain Management(National Institute of Nursing Research) - Links to PDF - http://www.ninr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/DC0351A6-7029-4FE0-BEEA-7EFC3D1B23AE/0/Pain.pdf
- Researchers Create Long-Acting Local Anesthetic(04/14/2009, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_82897.html
- Collaborative Care Helps Ease Chronic Pain(03/24/2009, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_82081.html
- Pain Drawing(American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) - http://www.aapmr.org/condtreat/pain/paindrawing.htm
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Chronic Pain: How to Get Relief(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/551.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/pain/disorders/551.printerview.html
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JAMA Patient Page: Acute Pain Treatment(American Medical Association) - Links to PDF - http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/299/1/128.pdf
Also available in Spanish http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/data/299/1/128/DC1/1
- Management of Pain(American Society of Anesthesiologists) - http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/managepain.htm
- Neuropathic Pain Treatment Options(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/TreatmentOptionsContinuum_NeuropathicPain.asp
- OMT: Hands-on Care(American Osteopathic Association) - http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ost_omt
- Opioid Drugs(Consumers Union of U.S.) - http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/opioids.htm
- Treatment Options: A Guide for People Living with Pain(American Pain Foundation) - Large PDF file - http://www.painfoundation.org/Publications/TreatmentOptions2006.pdf
- Integrative Pain Therapy(Continuum Center for Health and Healing, Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care) - http://www.healingchronicpain.org/content/introduction/intgtherapy.asp
- Introduction to Acupuncture(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) - http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/
- Magnets for Pain(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) - http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/magnetsforpain.htm
- Questions and Answers about Using Magnets to Treat Pain(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) - http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/magnetq-and-a.htm
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation(InteliHealth) - http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/363973.html?d=dmtContent
- Using Complementary Therapy to Relieve Pain(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/News_Complementary.asp
- Pain and Your Mental Health(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/MyTreatment_PainAndYourMentalHealth.asp
- Choosing a Multidisciplinary Pain Program(American Chronic Pain Association) - http://www.theacpa.org/people/pain_program.asp
- Daily Pain Diary(American Geriatrics Society) - Links to PDF - http://www.americangeriatrics.org/education/daily_pain_diary.pdf
- Exercise Takes the Edge Off Chronic Pain(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/chronic-pain/AR00017/METHOD=print
- Managing Breakthrough Pain (BTP)(American Chronic Pain Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.theacpa.org/documents/Breakthrough%20Pain%209-20-06.pdf
- Managing Chronic Pain(American Occupational Therapy Association) - http://www.aota.org/Consumers/Tips/Conditions/Pain/35165.aspx
- Managing Chronic Pain(American Chronic Pain Association) - http://www.theacpa.org/people/managing_chronic_pain.asp
- Pain Intensity Scales(NIH Pain Consortium) - http://painconsortium.nih.gov/pain_scales/index.html
- Quality of Life Scale: A Measure of Function for People with Pain(American Chronic Pain Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.theacpa.org/documents/Quality_of_Life_Scale.pdf
- Symptom Management: Pain(Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care) - http://www.stoppain.org/palliative_care/content/symptom/pain.asp
- Tips for Dealing with Your Pain(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/MyTreatment_Tips_For_Dealing_With_Your_Pain.asp
- Central Pain Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/central_pain/central_pain.htm
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome(Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care) - http://www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine/content/chronicpain/myofascial.asp
- Psychogenic Pain(Cleveland Clinic Foundation) - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/pain_management/hic_psychogenic_pain.aspx
- Understanding Nerve Pain(American Chronic Pain Association) - Links to PDF - http://www.theacpa.org/nerve/pdf/Final_Brochure.pdf
- Chronic Pain Can Interfere with Sexuality(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/chronic-pain/PN00009/METHOD=print
- Chronic Pain: When No Physical Cause Can Be Found(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/chronic-pain/PN00034/METHOD=print
- Pain Information Index(NIH Pain Consortium) - http://painconsortium.nih.gov/pain_index.html
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Somatoform Disorder: What It Is and How to Cope(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/162.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/pain/disorders/162.printerview.html
- Tips for Finding a Pain Physician(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyPain/TipsForFindingAPainPhysician.asp
- Burning Sensation of the Extremities(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/burning-sensation-of-the-extremities/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Generalized Body Aches(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/generalized-body-aches/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Scalp Pain(DSHI Systems) - http://www.freemd.com/scalp-pain/visit-virtual-doctor.htm
- Inside Look at Chronic Pain Therapy: Expert Panel Discussion on Neurostimulation(OR-Live) - One hour program - 2/06/2008 - http://www.or-live.com/distributors/nlm-flash/chp_1867/rnh.cfm?id=704
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Pain(Healthy Roads Media) - http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/english/Files/flv/engpain.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/spanish/Files/flv/spapain.htm
- How You Feel Pain(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pain/PN00017/METHOD=print
- Financial Issues for Pain Treatment(American Pain Foundation) - http://www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?menu=1&item=3&file=documents/doc_017.htm
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Pain(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Pain%22
- NIH Pain Consortium Clinical Trials(NIH Pain Consortium) - http://painconsortium.nih.gov/clinicaltrials.html
- Mind-Body Practices in Complementary and Alternative Medicine(National Institutes of Health) - Links to PDF - http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/mind-body.pdf
- Study Suggests Improved Treatments for Neuropathic Pain(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_articles/news_article_pain_MMPs.htm
- What Does the Future Hold for Marijuana for Pain?(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/MyTreatment_Cannabinoids.asp
- Article: Bisphosphonates: bone, muscle and joint pain. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19391290&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Walking function, pain, and fatigue in adults with cerebral palsy. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19379288&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Brain scans indicate that depression can increase pain perception. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19373987&tool=MedlinePlus
- Pain -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=(pain+measurement[majr]+OR+pain+clinics[majr]+OR+pain[majr:noexp])+NOT+(anesthetics[mh]+OR+analgesics[mh]+OR+pain/th[majr])+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(editorial[pt]+OR+letter[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Glossary(Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care) - http://www.stoppain.org/main_site/content/glossary.asp
- Find a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician(American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) - http://www.e-aapmr.org/imis/imisonline/findphys/find.cfm
- Search the AAPM Membership Directory(American Academy of Pain Medicine) - http://www.association-office.com/aapm/etools/publicdir/search.cfm
- Search the National Pain Foundation's Caregiver Directory(American Geriatrics Society) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyProviders/default_search.asp
- American Chronic Pain Association - http://www.theacpa.org/
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Also available in Spanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/
- National Pain Foundation - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org
- NIH Pain Consortium - http://painconsortium.nih.gov/
- Pain Facts & Figures(American Pain Foundation) - http://www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?file=Newsroom/PainFacts.htm
- Block That Pain! - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg22b.html
- Easing Chronic Pain: Better Treatments and Medications - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg20.html
- Fighting Chronic Pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg21.html
- The Team Approach to Pain Relief - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg23.html
- Pediatric Pain: Psychological Factors Related to Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/articles/Pediatric_General_Pain.asp
- Why Do I Have Pain?(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/pain.html
- Common Pain Causes Among Older Adults(National Pain Foundation) - http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/articles/Senior_Common_Pain_Causes_Among_Older_Adults.asp
- Eldercare at Home: Pain(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/11.xml?mode=html&§ion=1&&chapter=11&&page=1
- Pain in Dementia: A Family and Caregivers Guide to Assessment and Treatment(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - Links to PDF - http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pain/pain_dementia.pdf
- Persistent Pain(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pef/persistent_pain.php
- Abdominal Pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/abdominalpain.html
- Back Pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/backpain.html
- Chest Pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chestpain.html
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complexregionalpainsyndrome.html
- Pain Relievers - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/painrelievers.html
- Palliative Care - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/palliativecare.html
- Trigeminal Neuralgia - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/trigeminalneuralgia.html
- Brain and Nerves - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/brainandnerves.html
- Symptoms - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/symptoms.html
The primary NIH organization for research on Pain is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Pain - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/pain.html