Chronic Pain
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Chronic Pain Overview

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Learn About Chronic Pain

What is the definition of Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, in contrast to acute pain which is limited. Chronic pain may be the result of injury, infection, or chronic disease and can manifest as low back pain, migraines, arthritis, neuralgias or neurological diseases affecting various nerves, cancer, and even psychogenic pain where no physical cause can be found. Chronic pain more commonly affects older adults and can be unrelenting (without relief) or intermittent (continuing to come and go).
What are the symptoms of Chronic Pain?
Symptoms of chronic pain last more than three months and are generally associated with its origin, such as low back pain due to injury or disease; arthritis pain associated with joints and bones; headaches, such as recurring migraines; neurogenic pain from nerve or central nervous system diseases and disorders; psychogenic (no known disease or injury) pain; and may be combined with co-morbid (more than one) conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome; fibromyalgia (muscle pain); inflammatory bowel disease; interstitial cystitis (bladder infection); temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction; and vulvodynia (vulvar pain). Chronic pain symptoms may be aggravated by environmental and psychological factors. Some patients with chronic pain may also experience mood disorders, such depression and anxiety.
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What are the current treatments for Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is considered to be a major medical disorder that requires treatment and may be incurable. Treatments for chronic pain depend on its type, causes, and condition, and often involve seeing different specialists that are part of a pain management and rehabilitation team. Common treatments for chronic pain may include acupuncture; anesthetic pain blocks; epidural steroid injections; antidepressants; application of heat and cold; biofeedback; behavior modification therapy; brain stimulation; exercise; local electrical stimulation; hypnosis; over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or acetaminophen; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); placebos; prescription pain medicines, such as opioids; physical and occupational therapy, such as massage and whirlpool treatments; meditation; psychotherapy and group therapy; relaxation techniques; stress management; or surgery. Most often, treatment for chronic pain focuses on decreasing pain symptoms, while managing pain long-term.
Who are the top Chronic Pain Local Doctors?
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Ajay D. Wasan
Pain Medicine
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Ajay D. Wasan
Pain Medicine

UPMC Pain Management At UPMC Mercy

1400 Locust Street, Suite 3206, 
Pittsburgh, PA 
412-232-8276
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ajay Wasan, MD is certified in pain medicine and psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Wasan is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, as well as Vice Chair for Pain Medicine, Director of the Chronic Pain Research Program, and Director of the Center for Innovation in Pain Care in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. He completed fellowships at BWH/Harvard Medical School and University of California Davis, residency at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and medical degree at University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Wasan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Pain. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Acute Pain, and Neuralgia. Dr. Wasan is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology and American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology. Dr. Wasan is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Steven P. Cohen
Pain Medicine
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Steven P. Cohen
Pain Medicine
259 E Erie St Ste 1400, Lavin Family Pavilion, 
Chicago, IL 
312-695-2500
Experience:
37+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances

Steven Cohen is a Pain Medicine provider practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He has been practicing medicine for over 37 years. Dr. Cohen is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Pain. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Pain, Acute Pain, Phantom Limb Pain, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Dr. Cohen is board certified in American Board Of Anesthesiology - Anesthesiology (Certified).

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Julie G. Pilitsis
Neurosurgery
Elite in Chronic Pain
Dr. Julie G. Pilitsis
Neurosurgery

Banner - University Medicine North

3838 North Campbell Avenue, Building 2, 
Tucson, AZ 
520-694-1000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Dr. Pilitsis is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Pain. She is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Pain, Accessory Deep Peroneal Nerve, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Laminectomy. Dr. Pilitsis is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Pilitsis is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Chronic Pain Clinical Trials?
Observational Study of Dietary Intake and Dietary Behaviors in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease
Observational Study of Dietary Intake and Dietary Behaviors in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 16, 2026

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) causes blood cells form a crescent shape. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the hemoglobin gene. People with SCD are at increased risk for illnesses like stroke, chronic pain, and heart problems, as well as decreased overall health and well-being. Researchers want to learn more about how nutrition and diet can help relieve or reduce the symptoms of SCD.

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Brief Title Mechanisms of Cancer-Related Pain and Opioid Use Among Adolescents and Young Adult Sarcoma Survivors: Pilot Feasibility Study
Brief Title Mechanisms of Cancer-Related Pain and Opioid Use Among Adolescents and Young Adult Sarcoma Survivors: Pilot Feasibility Study
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 15, 2026
Intervention Type: Other

Summary: This study generates information on the feasibility and acceptability of a 3-month ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol to assess chronic pain and opioid use in adolescent and young adult (AYA) sarcoma survivors.

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