What Is Pain?

Comprehensive information for you or a loved one — including treatment options and discounts on popular medications.

Pain can be a symptom of many conditions, and it’s one of the most common reasons for a visit to the doctor or emergency room. It is typically classified based on where the pain is located, how intense and long-lasting it is, any pattern in when the pain occurs, and possible causes.

Treatment depends on the severity, type, and location of the pain. Pain management options can include medication and surgery based on the underlying cause. NSAIDs, opioids, opioid / acetaminophen combinations, opioid agonist/antagonists, opioid / NSAID combinations, and local anesthetics are commonly used to treat pain.