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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments and Procedures
  3. Pain Management

Treatment/Procedure: Pain Management

What is chronic pain?

Pain is a signal from your nervous system that something may be wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. Pain may be sharp or dull. You may feel pain in one area of your body or all over. Each person feels pain differently, even if the reason for the pain is the same.

Pain might be acute or chronic. The type of pain is based on how long and how often you have pain. Acute pain starts suddenly and goes away when the cause is treated or healed. This pain lets you know that you may be injured or have a problem you need to take care of. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months or the time in which you should have healed.

If you have chronic pain, it can occur most days or every day and may last for weeks, months, or even years. It can affect all aspects of daily life, including your mood and relationships. Treatment may not get rid of chronic pain, but it can help with your symptoms.

What causes chronic pain?

Sometimes, acute pain can become chronic pain. The original cause may have been an injury or infection, or you may have an ongoing cause of pain, such as arthritis or cancer. In some cases, there is no clear cause. Environmental factors and psychological factors such as mood and stress can make chronic pain worse.

What are the symptoms of chronic pain?

Since people feel pain in different ways, two people could have the same issue, but each may have different symptoms. Chronic pain can occur anywhere in your body and may cause other symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, or difficulty sleeping. If you have depression or stress, it may make chronic pain worse.

Who is more likely to get chronic pain?

Many older adults have chronic pain. Women also report having more chronic pain than men, and they are at a greater risk for many pain conditions. Some people have two or more chronic pain conditions. You may be more likely to have chronic pain if you have certain medical conditions such as:

  • Headaches or migraines
  • Cancer
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Arthritis
  • Nerve damage
  • Back problems

How is chronic pain diagnosed?

Chronic pain lasts three months or longer or when pain continues after your body has healed. If the cause of your pain is unknown, your health care provider may:

  • Ask you about your medical history
  • Ask you to describe the pain and how it affects your life
  • Do a physical exam
  • Order blood tests or other medical tests

What are the treatments for chronic pain?

Chronic pain is not always curable, but treatments can help. Treatments may include medicines, including pain relievers. There are also non-drug treatments, such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Depending on the cause of your pain and your symptoms, your provider may also recommend lifestyle changes which may include suggestions for:

  • Improving mental health
  • Managing stress
  • Getting to and staying at a healthy weight
  • Adding low-impact exercise

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/chronicpain.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

  • Conditions
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Conditions Related to Pain Management

UAMS Health providers care for a broad range of conditions, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Back Pain

Providers Performing or Prescribing Pain Management

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe Pain Management for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

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Michael A. Cucciare, Ph.D.

Michael A. Cucciare, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

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Sarah E. Harrington, M.D.

Sarah E. Harrington, M.D. Palliative Care Physician

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John C. 'Charlie' Kincaid Jr., M.D.

John C. "Charlie" Kincaid Jr., M.D. Palliative Care Physician

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Heather C. Moore, M.D.

Heather C. Moore, M.D. Palliative Care Physician

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Natalie Brooke Peeples, M.D.

Natalie Brooke Peeples, M.D. Palliative Care Physician

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Allen C. Sherman, Ph.D.

Allen C. Sherman, Ph.D. Psychologist

View Profile

Locations Providing Pain Management

Note that Pain Management may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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The exterior of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging

Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic

629 Jack Stephens Drive
UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-6219
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Pain Management

Image of a nurse is taking care of a patient with burnt finger.

Burn Care

While many burns are minor and have few consequences, some burns can be extensive or deep, resulting in significant scarring and functional impairment.

View Area of Expertise
Image of a child with special needs due to chromosome 8P inversion duplication syndrome with a doctor.

Pain Management

The pain management specialists at UAMS Health offer the latest treatments and technologies for managing pain.

View Area of Expertise
Palliative Care, holding hands

Palliative Care (Part of Cancer Care)

The goal of our Palliative Care Clinic is to help you live as well as possible while facing a serious or life-threatening illness.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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