Pain is the name give to the uncomfortable sensation caused by an injury or the symptoms of an illness. In addition to the physical experience of pain, the patient may experience additional symptoms including such things as nausea, dizziness, headache, weakness, drowsiness and fever.

There can also be emotional ramifications to physical pain. The most common ones are anger, symptoms of depression, prolonged crying or constantly being on the verge of tears, rapids shifts of mood, and in severe circumstances, suicidal thought or actions.

Doctors can take several approaches when it comes to managing pain. Some will recommend the patient undergo a lifestyle change by adjusting their diets and increasing their level of activity. Also, since stress plays a major role in producing physical pain, patients may be asked to look at relationships and situations in their lives which are causing stress and take action to reduce its effect on them.

Relieving pain through the use of pain-killing medication, or by trying home remedies like applying an ice pack, may also be recommended by the patient's doctor as a treatment alternative. However, before that is done, most doctors will want to know if the patient's pain is acute or chronic.