Acute pain (sudden, short-term pain) and trauma pain (pain from injury or wound caused by external force or violence) often overlap. Examples include:

• Scrapes or scratches
• Cuts
• Bruises
• Burns
• Fractures

In some instances, pain associated with trauma can evolve into chronic pain (ongoing or recurrent pain). The likelihood of trauma pain becoming chronic depends on the nature and severity of the initial trauma and the patient’s previous pain experiences, and is often difficult to predict. Common examples of chronic pain resulting from trauma include:

• Recurring head pain, neck pain or back pain stemming from an auto accident
  
  
• Bone, soft tissue or joint pain associated with athletic, workplace or household injuries
  
  
• Persistent headache after a slip or fall
  
  
• Repetitive stress injuries such as bursitis, tendinitis or tennis elbow

• Complex regional pain syndrome stemming from trauma to an arm or leg
  
  
• Gait disturbances due to an injured foot, leg, pelvis or back
  
  
• Fibromyalgia, which in some cases can stem from physical or emotional trauma, according to the American Academy of Pain Management
  
  
• Chronic fatigue syndrome, which sometimes involves physical or emotional trauma, according to the National Women’s Health Resource Center

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that often affects individuals long after the initial trauma pain has ended. PTSD first became well known in war veterans, but it can be caused by any type of physical, emotional or psychological trauma. It is characterized by continued frightening thoughts of the person’s ordeal and can occur in relation to any number of traumatic events or injuries. Victims of violent crime or unforeseen events (e.g., sexual assault, car accidents, natural disasters) tend to be most commonly affected.  

People with PTSD recall details of their trauma regularly and repeatedly. Ordinary events can trigger painful flashbacks of the traumatic incident. Emotional detachment is a common symptom of PTSD. In many cases, anniversaries of the original trauma can be especially painful.

PTSD can affect anyone of any age, though it tends to be more common in adult women. Sleep problems, depression and substance or alcohol abuse are common signs of PTSD.  People with PTSD are usually treated with prescription medications and psychotherapy.