Key takeaways
Persistent pain is ongoing discomfort that lasts longer than expected after an illness, injury, or flare-up.[1,2]
Common causes include musculoskeletal injuries.[1,3]
Persistent pain can affect sleep, work, movement, and emotional well-being.[3]
Healthy lifestyle habits and over-the-counter pain relief options may help.[4,5]
What Is Persistent Pain?
Persistent pain is pain that continues longer than expected. Pain is commonly categorized by duration and clinical context as acute, subacute, or chronic pain. The word "persistent" is not a formal medical diagnosis. Instead, it is a general term people may use to describe pain that continues, is ongoing, or does not seem to go away.[1,2]
Persistent pain can occur across different types of pain experiences. For example, pain may persist for several days after an injury, continue for weeks during recovery, or last for months in some chronic conditions. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or have questions about pain relief options, talk with a healthcare provider.[1,2]
Why Does Persistent Pain Happen?
There is no single cause of persistent pain. In many cases, ongoing discomfort develops following an injury, illness, or inflammation.[1,3]
Common causes include:[3]
Back pain
Muscle aches
Toothaches
Menstrual cramps
Minor pain of arthritis
Headaches
Can Pain Continue After an Injury Has Healed?
Yes. Pain can sometimes continue even after tissues have healed.
Research suggests that pain is influenced not only by injured tissues but also by how the nervous system processes pain signals. In some people, the nervous system may remain more sensitive following an injury, causing discomfort to continue longer than expected.[4]
This does not necessarily mean additional damage is occurring. However, check with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about ongoing symptoms.
How Can Persistent Pain Affect Daily Life?
Persistent pain can impact much more than physical comfort. It may influence:[3]
Sleep quality
Daily movement
Physical activity
Work productivity
Emotional well-being
Relationships and social activities
People experiencing ongoing discomfort may find it harder to stay active, get restorative sleep, or participate in everyday activities they enjoy.[3]
What Are Some Ways People Manage Persistent Pain?
People often use a combination of approaches when managing persistent pain. Management strategies vary based on the cause, severity, and location of pain.
Common approaches may include:
Staying Active
Gentle movement and physical activity are often encouraged as part of maintaining mobility and supporting overall health. Physical activity can help many people continue participating in everyday activities.[4]
Prioritizing Sleep
Poor sleep and pain often influence one another. Getting adequate sleep may help support overall well-being and coping with discomfort.[3,4]
Managing Stress
Stress and emotional distress can affect how pain is experienced. Relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and other stress-management approaches may be helpful components of an overall wellness routine.[4]
Using Pain Relief Options
Some consumers choose over-the-counter pain relief products to temporarily relieve pain as part of their overall pain management approach. Always use medications as directed and ask a healthcare provider if you have questions about which option may be appropriate for you.[5]
What Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Options Are Available?
Many adults use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains. Different products contain different active ingredients and work in different ways. Always read and follow the product label and talk with a healthcare provider if you have questions about which option may be appropriate for you.
Is Persistent Pain the Same as Chronic Pain?
No. Persistent pain and chronic pain are not necessarily the same thing.
Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that lasts longer than three months or continues beyond the expected healing period. Persistent pain, on the other hand, is a broader term used by many to describe pain that continues longer than expected.[1,2]
When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Provider About Persistent Pain?
Consider speaking with a healthcare provider if:[1,3]
Pain is getting worse instead of improving
Pain is interfering with daily activities
Pain affects sleep on a regular basis
You are unsure what is causing your symptoms
You have questions about treatment or pain relief options
Pain persists longer than expected following an injury
A healthcare professional can help identify potential causes and discuss appropriate next steps.
FAQs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm
- International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Terminology, https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/terminology/