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- office@worldpatientsalliance.org
Understanding pain.
Finding support.
Strengthening your voice in care.
Why this matters
- – Pain is real
- – You deserve equal treatment
- – Good communication improves care
- – Trusted information matters
TYPES OF PAIN
Acute Pain
Acute pain usually begins suddenly and is often linked to injury, surgery, illness, or another clear cause. It may last for a short time and often improves as the body heals.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain lasts longer than expected healing time and may continue for months or years. It can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and daily life.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is caused by problems affecting the nerves or nervous system. People may describe it as burning, shooting, tingling, electric, or stabbing.
Nociceptive Pain
This type of pain may come from tissue injury, inflammation, muscles, joints, bones, or organs. It can feel aching, throbbing, sore, or sharp depending on the cause.
Breakthrough Pain
Breakthrough pain is a sudden flare of pain that occurs even when ongoing pain is otherwise being managed. It may come on quickly and require timely recognition and discussion with a healthcare provider.
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
Migraine Conversation Guide for Patients and Healthcare Providers
Opioid Overdose Preparedness Signs, Naloxone Use, and Emergency Response
Cluster Headaches Conversation Guide for Patients and Healthcare Providers
Fibromyalgia Daily Activity Checklist for Patients
Migraine Conversation Guide for Patients and Healthcare Providers 2
Quality of Life Scale A Functional Assessment Tool for People with Pain
Opioid-Induced Constipation Conversation Guide for Patients and Healthcare Providers
Pain Log
After-Visit Summary
Care Card
Toolkits
Resources
These materials provide practical information to support self-management, informed conversations and shared decision-making with healthcare providers.
Browse the resources below to find guidance, evidence and support relevant to your pain-care journey.