Chronic Pain: Symptoms
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Symptoms
The symptoms of chronic pain include:
- Pain that does not go away as expected after an illness or injury.
- Pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical.
- Discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness.
Pain can lead to other problems, such as:
- Fatigue, which can cause impatience and a loss of motivation.
- Sleeplessness, often because the pain keeps you awake during the night.
- Withdrawal from activity and an increased need to rest.
- A weakened immune system, leading to frequent infections or illness.
- Depression, which is common and can make your pain worse.
- Other mood changes, such as hopelessness, fear, irritability, anxiety, and stress.
- Disability, which may include not being able to go to work or school or perform other daily activities.
| Last updated: | February 22, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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