chronic pain

USAGE SUMMARY

"chronic pain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a long-term or frequently occurring pain. For example, "After suffering from a back injury for years, I sometimes experience chronic pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most suffered from chronic pain.

The Washington Post

Chronic pain is very common.

The Guardian

Chronic pain in the family.

Harvard University

Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

Harvard University

Can diet heal chronic pain?

Harvard University

Chronic pain and the family.

Harvard University

Chronic pain becomes its own disease.

The New York Times

"Diabetes, immune-system disorders, chronic pain, cancer.

The New Yorker

Chronic pain changes who you are.

The New Yorker

Applications: muscle pain, acute and chronic pain.

The New York Times - Health

Applications: headaches, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "chronic pain", be specific about the location, intensity, and potential causes to provide a clearer understanding for the reader. For instance, instead of simply stating "He suffered from chronic pain", specify "He suffered from chronic back pain due to a spinal injury".

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations about individuals with "chronic pain". The experience and impact of chronic pain vary significantly from person to person, and generalizing can lead to misunderstandings or dismissive attitudes. Instead of saying "People with chronic pain can't lead normal lives", acknowledge the challenges but emphasize the potential for adaptation and management by stating "Living with chronic pain presents challenges, but many individuals find ways to adapt and maintain a fulfilling life".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chronic pain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes a long-term or frequently occurring pain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chronic pain" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe persistent or recurring pain over a long period. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including medical, scientific, and general discussions. Its communicative purpose is to convey information about a medical condition, express personal experiences, or discuss treatment options. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it accessible across formal and informal settings. While "chronic pain" is widely understood, it's crucial to be specific about the location, intensity, and potential causes of the pain when writing about it to provide clarity for the reader. Alternatives like "persistent discomfort" or "long-term suffering" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intractable pain

Highlights the difficulty in managing or relieving the pain.

debilitating pain

Emphasizes the weakening or disabling effect of the pain on the individual.

persistent discomfort

Replaces "pain" with a less intense term, focusing on the ongoing nature of the discomfort.

recurrent pain

Focuses on the repeated occurrences of the pain over a period of time.

long-term suffering

Shifts the focus to the duration and the emotional impact of the pain.

unceasing ache

Emphasizes the continuous and dull nature of the pain.

ongoing agony

Replaces "pain" with a stronger term to emphasize the intensity and prolonged nature of the suffering.

unrelenting soreness

Similar to "unceasing ache" but uses "soreness" to describe the type of pain.

constant discomfort

Highlights the continuous and steady presence of discomfort, lessening the focus on "pain".

long-lasting ache

Combines the duration aspect with the type of pain experienced.

FAQs

How can I describe "chronic pain" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "long-lasting pain", "persistent ache", or "ongoing discomfort" to describe "chronic pain".

What are some alternative terms for "chronic pain" that emphasize the suffering it causes?

Consider using phrases like "debilitating pain", "intractable pain", or "long-term suffering" to highlight the impact of "chronic pain".

Is it correct to use "chronic pain" to describe pain that comes and goes?

Yes, "chronic pain" can refer to pain that is persistent or recurrent over a long period. It doesn't necessarily mean the pain is constant, but rather that it is a long-term issue. However, the expression "recurrent pain" is also commonly used and may better convey the nature of this pain, in contrast to "acute pain".

What's the difference between "chronic pain" and "acute pain"?

Acute pain is typically sudden and short-lived, often resulting from an injury or illness. "Chronic pain", on the other hand, is long-lasting, usually persisting for more than three months.