Pain

Acute pain is severe, but lasts a short period of time (chest pain from costochondritis or abdominal pain or side pain from appendicitis). Chronic pain can range from mild to severe, but continues for a long time, even over a lifetime. Central pain syndrome is a type of chronic pain disorder. Aches and pains usually signal something is wrong—but the reason is not always apparent. Pain can be sharp or dull, mild or severe and can be felt in one spot or all over. Treatments are available for most causes of pain.