There are a number of injuries, diseases or conditions that may be diagnosed during assessment. Examples of conditions that may lead to chronic pain:

• Arthritis. A group of conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis, that cause joint pain.
  
  
• Back pain. The many sources of long-term back pain include pinched nerves, ruptured discs and degenerative disc disease.
  
  

• Fibromyalgia. A chronic illness characterized by musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances.
  
  
• Chronic fatigue syndrome. A debilitating disorder marked by pain and profound fatigue.
  
  
• Complex regional pain syndrome. Pain that occurs after an injury to an arm or leg, and is much worse than expected for the injury.
  
  
• Lupus. An inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints and kidneys.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. A condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.

There are a number of conditions that may cause acute pain as well. Many of these conditions can be linked to a recent injury, surgery or diagnosed illness. They may be easier to treat because the cause of the pain can be identified.

Conditions that cause pain may be treated in a variety of ways, including:

• Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or other analgesics
  
  
• Lifestyle changes, such as exercise or diet
  
  
• Physical therapy or occupational therapy
  
  
• Massage therapy or other types of manipulation therapy
  
  
• Modalities, such as thermotherapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound or electrical therapy
  
  
• Alternative remedies, such as acupuncture or acupressure
  
  
• Injections, such as a nerve block or epidural injection
  
  
• Surgery, such as arthroplasty (joint replacement), carpal tunnel release or spine surgery