National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Pain is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Pain
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pain.html
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.
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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Start Here
- Chronic PainChronic Pain http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/551.printerview.html(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/pain/disorders/551.printerview.html
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Pain: Hope through ResearchPain: Hope through Research http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/detail_chronic_pain.htm
(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/trastornos/dolor.htm
The top row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Basics
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Learn More
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Multimedia & Cool Tools
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For group Basics
For group Learn More
For group Multimedia & Cool Tools
The bottom row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Research
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Reference Shelf
, and
For You
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For group Research
For group Reference Shelf
For group For You
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Overviews
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Chronic PainChronic Pain http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/chronic_pain.htm(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Short Summary
- Definitions and Types of PainDefinitions and Types of Pain http://www.healingchronicpain.org/content/introduction/definitions.asp(Continuum Center for Health and Healing, Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care)
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Chronic PainChronic Pain http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/chronic_pain.htm
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Latest News
- Elective Surgery Patients Often Report Poor RecoveryElective Surgery Patients Often Report Poor Recoveryhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_102845.html(09/01/2010, HealthDay)
- Smoked Marijuana May Ease Chronic Nerve PainSmoked Marijuana May Ease Chronic Nerve Painhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_102753.html(08/30/2010, HealthDay)
- Long-Term Exercise Can Reduce Vets' Muscle PainLong-Term Exercise Can Reduce Vets' Muscle Painhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_102647.html(08/26/2010, HealthDay)
- More News on PainPainhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_p.html#pain
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Pain DrawingPain Drawing http://www.aapmr.org/condtreat/pain/paindrawing.htm(American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
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Treatment
- Antidepressants: Another Weapon Against Chronic PainAntidepressants: Another Weapon Against Chronic Pain http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pain-medications/PN00044/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- JAMA Patient Page: Acute Pain TreatmentJAMA Patient Page: Acute Pain Treatment http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/299/1/128.pdf(American Medical Association) - PDF
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/data/299/1/128/DC1/1
- Management of PainManagement of Pain http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/managepain.htm(American Society of Anesthesiologists)
- Nonprescription MedicinesNonprescription Medicines http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/library/pain-topics/medication/nonprescription-medicines.html(American Pain Foundation)
- OMT: Hands-on CareOMT: Hands-on Care http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ost_omt(American Osteopathic Association)
- Treatment Options: A Guide for People Living with PainTreatment Options: A Guide for People Living with Pain http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/publications/files/TreatmentOptions2006.pdf(American Pain Foundation) - PDF
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Alternative Therapy
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Acupuncture for PainAcupuncture for Pain http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/acupuncture-for-pain.htm(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
- Healing Pain with Trigger Point TherapyHealing Pain with Trigger Point Therapy http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/library/pain-topics/complementary-medicine/massage-therapy/healing-pain-with-trigger.html(American Pain Foundation)
- Integrative Pain TherapyIntegrative Pain Therapy http://www.healingchronicpain.org/content/introduction/intgtherapy.asp(Continuum Center for Health and Healing, Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care)
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Magnets for PainMagnets for Pain http://nccam.nih.gov/health/magnet/magnetsforpain.htm(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve StimulationTranscutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtPrint/WSIHW000/8513/34968/363973.html?d=dmtContent&hide=t&k=basePrint(InteliHealth)
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Acupuncture for PainAcupuncture for Pain http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/acupuncture-for-pain.htm
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Rehabilitation/Recovery
- Managing Chronic PainManaging Chronic Pain http://www.aota.org/Consumers/Tips/Health-and-Wellness/Pain/35165.aspx(American Occupational Therapy Association)
- Rehabilitation ApproachesRehabilitation Approaches http://www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine/content/treatments/rehabilitation.asp(Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care)
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Coping
- Top Ten Tips for CopingTop Ten Tips for Coping http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/library/top-ten-tips/(American Pain Foundation)
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Disease Management
- Daily Pain DiaryDaily Pain Diary http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pain/my_pain_diary.pdf(American Geriatrics Society) - PDF
- Interdisciplinary Pain Management ProgramsInterdisciplinary Pain Management Programs http://www.theacpa.org/26/Pain%20Management%20Programs.aspx(American Chronic Pain Association)
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Pain Intensity ScalesPain Intensity Scales http://painconsortium.nih.gov/pain_scales/index.html(NIH Pain Consortium)
- Quality of Life Scale: A Measure of Function for People with PainQuality of Life Scale: A Measure of Function for People with Pain http://www.theacpa.org/documents/Quality_of_Life_Scale.pdf(American Chronic Pain Association) - PDF
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Specific Conditions
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Central Pain SyndromeCentral Pain Syndrome http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/central_pain/central_pain.htm(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Short Summary
- Myofascial Pain SyndromeMyofascial Pain Syndrome http://www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine/content/chronicpain/myofascial.asp(Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care)
- Neuropathic PainNeuropathic Pain http://www.theacpa.org/conditionDetail.aspx?id=29(American Chronic Pain Association) - PDF
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Pain Control: Support for People with CancerPain Control: Support for People with Cancer http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/paincontrol(National Cancer Institute)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.cancer.gov/espanol/control-del-dolor.pdf
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Central Pain SyndromeCentral Pain Syndrome http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/central_pain/central_pain.htm
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Related Issues
- Chronic Pain Can Interfere with SexualityChronic Pain Can Interfere with Sexuality http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/chronic-pain/PN00009/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Pain Information IndexPain Information Index http://painconsortium.nih.gov/pain_index.html(NIH Pain Consortium)
- Somatoform Disorder: What It Is and How to CopeSomatoform Disorder: What It Is and How to Cope http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/162.printerview.html(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/pain/disorders/162.printerview.html
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Health Check Tools
- Burning Sensation of the ExtremitiesBurning Sensation of the Extremities http://www.freemd.com/burning-sensation-of-the-extremities/visit-virtual-doctor.htm(DSHI Systems)
- Generalized Body AchesGeneralized Body Aches http://www.freemd.com/generalized-body-aches/visit-virtual-doctor.htm(DSHI Systems)
- Scalp PainScalp Pain http://www.freemd.com/scalp-pain/visit-virtual-doctor.htm(DSHI Systems)
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Videos
- About Your PainAbout Your Pain http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/titles/engpain.htm(Healthy Roads Media)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.healthyroadsmedia.org/titles/spapain.htm
- Feeling painFeeling pain http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/anatomyvideos/000054.htm - Encyclopedia
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/ency/anatomyvideos/000054.htm
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Anatomy/Physiology
- How You Feel PainHow You Feel Pain http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pain/PN00017/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Financial Issues
- Financial Issues for Pain TreatmentFinancial Issues for Pain Treatment http://www.painfoundation.org/learn/resources/financial/financial-issues.html(American Pain Foundation)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: PainClinicalTrials.gov: Pain http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Pain%22(National Institutes of Health)
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NIH Pain Consortium Clinical TrialsNIH Pain Consortium Clinical Trials http://painconsortium.nih.gov/clinicaltrials.html(NIH Pain Consortium)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: PainClinicalTrials.gov: Pain http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Pain%22
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Research
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Acupuncture and Pain: Applying Modern Science to an Ancient PracticeAcupuncture and Pain: Applying Modern Science to an Ancient Practice http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010_february/acu1.htm(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
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Mind-Body Practices in Complementary and Alternative MedicineMind-Body Practices in Complementary and Alternative Medicine http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/mind-body.pdf(National Institutes of Health)
- PDF
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Pain ManagementPain Management http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/Pain.pdf(National Institutes of Health)
- PDF
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Study Suggests that Both Traditional and Simulated Acupuncture Relieve Pain but by Different MechanismsStudy Suggests that Both Traditional and Simulated Acupuncture Relieve Pain but by Different Mechanisms http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/110209.htm(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
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Toward Better Resolution of PainToward Better Resolution of Pain http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/Research/ResearchResults/InterviewsOHR/pain.htm(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
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Acupuncture and Pain: Applying Modern Science to an Ancient PracticeAcupuncture and Pain: Applying Modern Science to an Ancient Practice http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010_february/acu1.htm
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Assessing pain in the elderly. Article: Assessing pain in the elderly. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20731059?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Use of benzodiazepines, hypnotics, and anxiolytics in major depressive disorder:...Article: Use of benzodiazepines, hypnotics, and anxiolytics in major depressive disorder:... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699718?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Spiritual needs of patients with chronic pain diseases and cancer...Article: Spiritual needs of patients with chronic pain diseases and cancer... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20696636?tool=MedlinePlus
- Pain -- see more articlesPain -- see more articles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/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])+AND+%22last+1+Year%22[edat]&tool=MedlinePlus
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
- GlossaryGlossary http://www.stoppain.org/main_site/content/glossary.asp(Beth Israel Medical Center, Dept. of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care)
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Directories
- Find a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation PhysicianFind a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician https://www.e-aapmr.org/imis/imisonline/findphys/find.cfm(American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
- Search the AAPM Membership DirectorySearch the AAPM Membership Directory http://www.association-office.com/aapm/etools/publicdir/search.cfm(American Academy of Pain Medicine)
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Organizations
- American Chronic Pain AssociationAmerican Chronic Pain Association http://www.theacpa.org/
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://espanol.ninds.nih.gov/
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NIH Pain ConsortiumNIH Pain Consortium http://painconsortium.nih.gov/
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Statistics
- Pain Facts & FiguresPain Facts & Figures http://www.painfoundation.org/newsroom/reporter-resources/pain-facts-figures.html(American Pain Foundation)
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MedlinePlus Magazine
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Block That Pain!Block That Pain! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg22b.html
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Easing Chronic Pain: Better Treatments and MedicationsEasing Chronic Pain: Better Treatments and Medications http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg20.html
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Fighting Chronic PainFighting Chronic Pain http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg21.html
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Team Approach to Pain ReliefTeam Approach to Pain Relief http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg23.html
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Block That Pain!Block That Pain! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall07/articles/fall07pg22b.html
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Children
- Why Do I Have Pain?Why Do I Have Pain? http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/pain.html(Nemours Foundation)
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Seniors
- Dealing with Persistent Pain in Later LifeDealing with Persistent Pain in Later Life http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/persistent_pain_tips.php(American Geriatrics Society)
- Eldercare at Home: PainEldercare at Home: Pain http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/11.xml?mode=html&§ion=1&&chapter=11&&page=1(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
- Pain in Dementia: A Family and Caregivers Guide to Assessment and TreatmentPain in Dementia: A Family and Caregivers Guide to Assessment and Treatment http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pain/pain_dementia.pdf(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging) - PDF
- Persistent PainPersistent Pain http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pef/persistent_pain.php(AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
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Patient Handouts
- PainPain http://www.acpfoundation.org/files/ht/pai_en.pdf(American College of Physicians Foundation) - PDF
- When It Hurts: Dealing With PainWhen It Hurts: Dealing With Pain http://www.chop.edu/export/download/pdfs/articles/traumatic-stress-pdf-cpts-jordan.pdf(Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) - PDF
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You may also be interested in these related encyclopedia pages:
- Feeling pain
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/anatomyvideos/000054.htm - Groin pain - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003111.htm
- Muscle aches - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003178.htm
- Neuralgia - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001407.htm
- Somatoform pain disorder - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000922.htm
The primary NIH organization for research on Pain is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
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