Pains

Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain's widely used definition defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage."

Types of Pain

Pain is usually transitory, lasting only until the noxious stimulus is removed or the underlying damage or pathology has healed, but some painful conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, cancer and idiopathic pain, may persist for years. Pain that lasts a long time is called chronic, and pain that resolves quickly is called acute.

Causes

Pain can arise from a variety of causes, including injury, infection, illness, and certain medical treatments. It can also be a symptom of a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment for pain can involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, and psychological therapy. Pain management can also include non-medical treatments, such as acupuncture or hypnosis.

See Also

• Chronic pain
• Acute pain
• Pain management
• Pain assessment

Pains Resources
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