Chronic pain

Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the expected period of tissue healing, usually defined as lasting longer than three months.

Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal, chronic pain often loses its protective function and becomes a condition of its own. It may result from ongoing inflammation, nerve injury or changes in the way the nervous system processes pain signals. Chronic pain can be continuous or recurrent, and it often affects multiple aspects of life — from sleep and mood to mobility and social participation. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach, combining medical, interventional and supportive strategies.