Have you ever woken up in the morning to find that you still have neck or back pain, even weeks after first getting hurt? Your doctor may advise you to seek help when pain is chronic, but just what makes your type of pain chronic to begin with? According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic pain refers to any pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. This type of pain can be brought on by a medical condition, or after you’ve been injured at work or in a car accident.

Some symptoms that can occur with chronic pain include:
• Fatigue
• Lack of Sleep
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss of Appetite

It is important to track the progress of your pain, and note when symptoms occur, so that you can work with your medical professional to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait to deal with chronic pain, the more burdensome it can be on your body. If the pain comes as the result of an accident, be sure to also seek legal counsel to explore your options.

Download our Infographic on Cronic Pain