Venting the Pain

Is your pain burning, squeezing, stabbing, aching, or tingling? Is it dull or sharp? Is it constant or intermittent? Is it localized, diffuse, or traveling? If you have had longstanding pain, you may have used these words in an attempt to define your experience. We know that the simple word “pain” is grossly inadequate in describing the vastness and intensity of the pain experience. Recurrent or persistent pain is estimated to occur in nearly half the general population. It is important that you as a pain sufferer know the vocabulary of pain so you can understand the why and wherefore of your situation and communicate it accurately with your treatment providers.
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