To live well in spite of a chronic pain problem, you need to be a well-informed consumer. Learning about your health care condition is a good place to start. Select a condition below for further information, additional resources and tools that will help you communicate with your health care provider, promote wellness, and achieve greater control in your life.
Acute Pain
Acute pain is pain that comes on quickly, can be severe, but lasts a relatively short time.
Advanced Prostate Cancer
A tumor that has spread outside of the prostate to other areas of your body is considered to be advanced prostate cancer.
AIDS-Related Pain
AIDS-Related Pain is a major issue for people living with HIV and AIDS. It affects all parts of the body and can significantly affect quality of life.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved.
Arachnoiditis
Arachnoiditis describes a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord.
Arthritis
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age.
Arthrofibrosis
Arthrofibrosis is a complication of injury or trauma where an excessive scar tissue response leads to painful restriction of joint motion.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy is one of the rarer forms of cerebral palsy (CP); fewer than one in ten people with CP have the ataxic form.
Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis
Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system mistakenly destroys a special type of cell (parietal cells) in the stomach.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases can affect many parts of the body. These diseases tend to run in families.
Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. The hip is the joint most commonly affected by avascular necrosis.
Back Pain
Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move.
Behçet’s Syndrome
A rare multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by ulcers affecting the mouth and genitals, various skin lesions, and abnormalities affecting the eyes.
Breakthrough Pain
Pain that comes on suddenly for short periods and is not alleviated by normal pain suppression management.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small fluid-filled pads (bursae) that act as cushions among your bones, tendons, and muscles.
Cancer Pain
Cancer pain occurs in many ways. Your pain may be dull, aching or sharp. It could be constant, intermittent, mild, moderate or severe.
Carpal Tunnel
Thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the carpal tunnel and causes the nerve to be compressed.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a relatively rare but serious condition that describes extreme pressure and swelling of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord.
Central Pain Syndrome
Central Pain Syndrome is a neurological condition caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord.
Cerebral Palsy
A group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination, and balance.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leaks
Nasal Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leaks can occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma or previous sinonasal surgery.
Cervical Stenosis
Cervical stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck which can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, or weakness in the neck, arms, and legs.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) is a group of genetic nerve disorders that affect the peripheral nerves.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
Chronic functional abdominal pain (CFAP) is abdominal pain caused by an unexplained source.
Chronic Pain
Ongoing or recurrent pain, lasting beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury or more than 3 to 6 months.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Commonly defined as a continuing, chronic, inflammatory process of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible morphologic changes.
Coccyx Injury
A coccyx injury results in pain and discomfort in the tailbone area that may result in bruise, dislocation, or fracture.
Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)
A buildup of air that puts pressure on the lung, so that it cannot expand as much as it normally does when you take a breath.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
A condition characterized by burning pain, changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and sensitivity to touch.
Corneal Neuropathic Pain
Commonly known as ‘dry eye,’ corneal neuropathic pain can be related to abnormalities of the nerve plexus.
Crohn’s Disease
Inflammation of the digestive system which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Degenerative Disk Disease
A condition where normal changes in the disks of your spine cause sharp or constant pain in the back and neck.
Depression
A common but serious illness that can interfere with daily life and cause pain for both you and those who care about you.
Dercum’s Disease
An extremely rare disorder characterized by multiple, painful growths consisting of fatty tissue called lipomas.
Dermatomyositis
An inflammatory myopathy causing a skin rash that precedes, accompanies or follows progressive muscle weakness.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Also known as DPN, this condition is a form of nerve damage in the hands or feet resulting from diabetes.
Dystonia
A condition that causes muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in an uncontrollable twisting of the affected body part.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Also known as EDS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that weaken connective tissues.
Endometriosis
A painful condition that occurs when tissue called endometrium, like that which lines the uterus, is found outside the uterus.
Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome
EMS is a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems of the body including the muscles, skin, and lungs.
Erythromelalgia
A condition characterized by episodes of pain, redness, and swelling in various parts of the body, particularly in the hands and feet.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
A term often used to describe the condition of patients who have not had a successful result with back surgery or spine surgery.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a medically unexplained syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain and a heightened and painful response to pressure.
Gout
A condition characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints; often the joint at the base of the big toe.
Headaches
Headaches are the most common form of pain. Types of headaches include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches.
Herniated Disc
Also called a slipped or ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when one of the disks that cushion the vertebrae bulges or breaks open.
Hydrocephalus
Also known as ‘water on the brain,’ hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid inside the skull, leading to brain swelling.
Hyperacusis
A debilitating hearing disorder characterized by an increased sensitivity to certain frequencies and volume ranges of sound.
Intercostal Neuralgia
A condition caused by nerve compression in the abdominal area, often resulting in spasmodic pain around the ribs.
Interstitial Cystitis
A condition that causes uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild burning to severe pain.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Also known as IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work correctly.
Juvenile Dermatosis
An inflammatory disease of the muscle (myositis), skin and blood vessels that can cause muscle weakness and skin rash.
Knee Injury
A knee injury, or knee problem, is when the structures in the knee are hurt or diseased causing pain and difficulty walking.
Leg Pain
Leg Pain can be caused by a muscle cramp (also called a charley horse), injury, or other cause.
Loin Pain-Hematuria Syndrome
Loin Pain-Haematuria Syndrome (LPHS) is a combination of loin (ie kidney) pain and haematuria or blood in the urine.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including the skin, joints, and organs.
Lyme Disease
The most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere, symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a circular skin rash.
Medullary Sponge Kidney
MSK is a benign congenital disorder characterized by dilatation of collecting tubules affecting one or both kidneys.
Meralgia Paresthesia
A condition characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the outer part of your thigh.
Mesothelioma
A rare, aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Migraine
An intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Mitochondrial Disorders
A clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that arise as a result of dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Multiple Sclerosis
A potentially debilitating disease in which the body’s immune system eats away at the protective sheath that covers the nerves.
Myofascial Pain
A chronic form of muscle pain that centers around sensitive points in your muscles called trigger points.
Myositis
Inflammation of the muscles that used to move the body that is usually caused by an injury, infection, or autoimmune disease.
Neck Pain
Pain in the neck can be acute, meaning it lasts a few hours to a few weeks, or it can be chronic.
Neuropathic Pain
Also known as nerve pain, a type of chronic pain that occurs when nerves in the central nervous system become injured or damaged.
Occipital Neuralgia
A distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain.
Osteoarthritis
A form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the joints; usually affecting the hands, knees, hips, or spine.
Paget’s Disease
A disease that causes bones to grow larger and weaker than normal and can make them prone to breaking easily.
Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PDPN)
Find PDPN Resources under our resource section. The pain symptoms range from pricking, tingling, pins & needles, electric or shooting, hot or burning, numbness, itching or sensitivity to touch. It’s most common in the feet,...
Parsonage Turner Syndrome
An uncommon neurological disorder characterized by rapid onset of severe pain in the shoulder and arm.
Pelvic Pain
Pain in the pelvic area that starts over a short period of time, anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
Peripheral Neuropathy
A condition that causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet and is often caused by diabetes.
Pinched Nerve
A condition that occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
PKD is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in your neck, shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs.
Polymyositis
A persistent inflammatory muscle disease that causes weakness of the skeletal muscles, which control movement.
Porphyria
A group of disorders that result from a buildup of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in your body.
Post Herniorrhaphy Pain Syndrome
Chronic or persistent postoperative pain after inguinal hernia surgery.
Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome
A type of chronic postoperative pain that persists after a mastectomy or other type of breast surgery is performed.
Post Stroke Pain
Pain that follows a stroke; often a deep burning, pins and needles sensation accompanied by muscle contractions.
Post-Polio Syndrome
Post-Polio Syndrome is a condition that affects polio survivors anywhere from 10 to 40 years after recovery from an initial paralytic attack of the poliomyelitis virus.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is an illness that can occur after living through or seeing a traumatic event, making you feel stressed and afraid after the danger is over.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic Neuralgia is a painful complication of shingles that affects the nerve fibers and skin.
Primary Lateral Sclerosis
A rare neuromuscular disease with slowly progressive weakness in voluntary muscle movement.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis and can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Pudendal Neuralgia
A rare problem with the pudendal nerve that can affect both men and women and cause pain, especially when sitting.
Radiculopathy
A condition caused by a compressed nerve in the spine that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the course of the nerve.
Raynaud’s Disease
A condition that causes some areas of your body to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress.
Restless Legs Syndrome
A condition that causes a powerful urge to move the legs, making it uncomfortable to lie down or sit.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that causes joint pain and damage.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
A dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, causing low back and/or leg pain.
Sarcoidosis
A growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of your body, most commonly in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.
Sciatica
Leg pain, and possibly tingling, numbness, or weakness, that travels from the low back, buttock, and sciatic nerve.
Shingles
A viral infection of the nerve roots that causes pain and often a rash on one side of the body.
Sickle Cell Disease
A serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells leading to blocked blood flow that can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage.
Sjogren’s Syndrome
A disorder of the immune system which causes symptoms including dry eyes and a dry mouth.
Spasmodic Torticollis
A painful condition in which your neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing your head to twist or turn to one side.
Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
A structural disorder involving the billiary sphincter that may result in impedance of bile and pancreatic juice flow.
Spinal Cord Injury
Damage to the spinal cord usually caused by a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae.
Spinal Stenosis
When the narrowing of the spinal canal causes spinal cord or nerve pinching which can lead to persistent pain.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia
A term used to describe a set of symptoms that can occur when parts of the nervous system that control movement are damaged.
Syringomyelia
A rare disorder that causes a cyst to form in the spinal cord and can lead to symptoms like back pain and weakness.
Tarlov Cysts
Sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid that most often affect nerve roots in the sacrum, the group of bones at the base of the spine.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Known as TMJ, these are a set of conditions that can cause pain in the area of the jaw joint and associated muscles.
Tethered Cord Syndrome
A stretch-induced functional disorder associated with the tethering effect of inelastic tissue on the caudal spinal cord, limiting its movement.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
A group of disorders involving compression at the superior thoracic outlet that affect the nerves that pass into the arms from the neck.
Transverse Myelitis
A neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
A neuropathic disorder of the trigeminal nerve in the face that can cause episodes of intense pain.
Ulcerative Colitis
An inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.
Whiplash
An injury caused by the neck and head being thrown suddenly backward then forward upon impact.
