Chronic Pain: What Is It? What Causes It?

Pain is a four-letter word that everyone experiences at some point in their lifetime. In fact, pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare.

Types of Pain

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic.

Acute pain is pain that comes on suddenly or that is the direct result of a specific traumatic injury to the body. For example, if you fall and land on your shoulder, you’ll likely have some short-term shoulder pain.

Chronic pain, which isn’t always caused by a traumatic injury, is any pain that lasts three months or longer. Approximately 100 million American adults live with chronic pain. A common example of chronic pain is lingering lower back pain.

Factors That Increase Your Risk for Chronic Pain

There are three main categories of risk factors for chronic pain.

Biological/Physical

• Age
• Family history
• Race (African Americans and Hispanics are at a greater risk for chronic pain.)
• Obesity
• Previous injury

Psychological

• Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
• Parental neglect, physical or sexual abuse, or other childhood trauma

Lifestyle

• Jobs requiring heavy lifting or extreme physical activity
• Smoking
• Stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder

Treatment for Chronic Pain

While pain medication is one option for easing chronic pain, physical and occupational therapy can help people reduce and control pain without medication. When you are referred to North Kansas City Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation program, a PT or OT will evaluate your current health condition, identify your specific needs and create a therapy plan to help address them.

Explore our physical and occupational therapy services. Our therapy program requires a doctor’s referral. If you need help with a referral or for more information on our services, call 816.691.1795.

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Lawrence Roccaro

Lawrence Roccaro is a licensed physical therapist and a supervisor in NKCH’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Department. He is also a stroke and chronic pain survivor. He serves on the board of the American Stroke Foundation and was named a Hero in Healthcare by Ingram’s Magazine. Outside of work, Lawrence enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his children in youth sports.