Which statement defines chronic pain?

• A. Greater than 3-6 months, pain persists after injury has healed
• B. Pain lasting less than a week
• C. Pain that improves with rest
• D. Pain restricted to movement

Answer: (A)

Chronic pain is defined by its duration—pain that lasts beyond the normal healing period, typically more than a few months after an injury. When pain persists after the tissue has healed, it may reflect ongoing neural changes or other non-tissue factors, making it a sustained condition rather than a temporary protective sensation. The statement that describes pain continuing for months and after healing best captures this idea of chronicity.

The other descriptions align more with acute or non-chronic experiences: pain that lasts only a short time, pain that resolves with rest, or pain that's limited to a specific movement, none of which define a long-lasting, persistent condition.