Pain is the brain’s way of signaling that our bodies need care and recovery after an illness or injury.

Acute pain typically lasts no more than 3 months. It usually goes away as the body heals.

Chronic pain lasts longer than 3 months and may continue after the original injury or illness heals.

Cancer pain can come from cancer itself or from treatments like radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.

Some pain may continue long after cancer treatment, but with the right care and support, it doesn’t have to define your life.

Tracking your pain over time can help notice patterns in when and where you feel pain, what causes it or makes it worse, and what helps. Use this information to build a pain management plan with your healthcare team.

Worrying about pain can make it hard to focus on anything else. Other issues that may increase pain include:

• Other medical conditions or chronic illnesses

• Stress, fear, anxiety, and depression

• Smoking, drinking alcohol, and not getting enough good quality sleep

• Feeling socially isolated

Opioid pain medications may help, but they may not work for all types of pain. Other pain management techniques may include:

• Non-opioid pain medications like acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen

• Physical therapy and exercise

• Mental health care and counseling from a licensed clinical professional

• Mind-body practices like yoga, relaxation, and mindfulness

• Healthy habits like eating well, staying active, and getting good quality sleep

• Building and relying on a strong support system to help manage stress and other challenges

Whether it’s friends and family or a broader network of resources and services, having a strong support system can make it easier to cope with pain and other challenges.

Staying connected with supportive friends and family can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and pain, improving your overall well-being.

Talk to your doctor about other support services, including:

• Nutrition programs

• Legal and financial assistance

• Transportation services

• Other specialty care