Showing all 50+ terms
A
Acute Pain
Pain that comes on suddenly and has a known cause, typically lasting less than 3-6 months. It usually resolves when the underlying cause is treated. Contrast with chronic pain.
Adenomyosis
/ad-uh-no-my-OH-sis/
A condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy periods and pelvic pain. Related to but distinct from endometriosis.
Allodynia
/al-oh-DIN-ee-uh/
Pain from stimuli that don't normally cause pain, such as light touch or clothing on skin. Common in fibromyalgia and other central sensitization conditions.
Autoimmune Disease
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues. Examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
B
Biologic (Medication)
A type of medication made from living cells that targets specific parts of the immune system. Used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Brain Fog
A term describing cognitive difficulties including problems with memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Common in fibromyalgia (called "fibro fog") and chronic fatigue syndrome.
C
Central Sensitization
A condition where the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying pain signals. The brain and spinal cord process pain more intensely than normal. Believed to play a role in fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and other pain conditions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
Also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). A complex illness characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and worsens with physical or mental activity.
Chronic Pain
Pain that persists for more than 3-6 months, often continuing after the original injury has healed. It may or may not have an identifiable cause and requires different treatment approaches than acute pain.
Comorbidity
The presence of two or more medical conditions in the same person at the same time. Many chronic pain conditions have common comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Corticosteroid
A class of anti-inflammatory medications that mimic hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Used to reduce inflammation in many conditions. Examples include prednisone and cortisone.
D
Dysmenorrhea
/dis-men-uh-REE-uh/
Painful menstrual periods. Primary dysmenorrhea has no underlying cause; secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Dyspareunia
/dis-puh-ROO-nee-uh/
Pain during or after sexual intercourse. Can be caused by various conditions including endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, or vulvodynia.
E
Endometriosis
/en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sis/
A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissues. Causes pain and sometimes fertility problems.
Endorphins
Natural chemicals produced by the body that reduce pain perception and produce feelings of well-being. Released during exercise, laughter, and other activities.
F
Fibromyalgia
/fy-broh-my-AL-juh/
A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Affects about 2-8% of the population, predominantly women.
Flare (Flare-up)
A period when symptoms temporarily worsen beyond their usual level. Flares can be triggered by stress, overexertion, weather changes, or occur without obvious cause.
G
Gate Control Theory
A theory of pain that suggests the spinal cord contains a "gate" that can block or allow pain signals to reach the brain. Explains why rubbing an injury can reduce pain.
H
Hyperalgesia
/hy-per-al-JEE-zee-uh/
Increased sensitivity to pain, where normally painful stimuli feel more painful than they should. Can develop with chronic pain conditions.
I
Inflammation
The body's immune response to injury, infection, or irritation. Characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Chronic inflammation plays a role in many pain conditions.
Interstitial Cystitis
/in-ter-STISH-ul sis-TY-tis/
Also called painful bladder syndrome. A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. Often coexists with other chronic pain conditions.
L
Laparoscopy
/lap-uh-ROS-kuh-pee/
A minimally invasive surgical procedure using a thin camera inserted through small incisions. Used to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis.
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect joints, skin, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes.
M
Migraine
A neurological condition characterized by intense, debilitating headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. May include visual disturbances called aura.
Multimodal Treatment
An approach that combines multiple types of treatment (medication, physical therapy, psychological support, lifestyle changes) for more effective pain management than any single treatment alone.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
A chronic pain disorder caused by trigger points in muscles that cause pain in seemingly unrelated parts of the body (referred pain).
N
Neuropathic Pain
Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system itself, rather than tissue injury. Often described as burning, shooting, or electric shock-like sensations.
NSAID
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. A class of medications that reduce pain and inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
O
Orthostatic Intolerance
Symptoms that worsen when upright and improve when lying down, including dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Common in chronic fatigue syndrome.
P
Pacing
A self-management strategy of balancing activity and rest to avoid symptom flares. Involves breaking activities into smaller chunks and taking planned rest breaks.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
A condition where the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, too weak, or uncoordinated, causing pain, bladder/bowel issues, or sexual dysfunction.
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)
A worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion, often delayed by 12-48 hours. A hallmark symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME.
R
Referred Pain
Pain felt in a location different from its actual source. For example, trigger points in back muscles may cause pain that feels like it's in the chest.
Remission
A period when disease symptoms decrease or disappear temporarily. Can be partial (some symptoms remain) or complete (all symptoms gone).
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage. Affects women 2-3 times more than men.
S
Sjögren's Syndrome
/SHOW-grins/
An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth. Can also cause fatigue and joint pain.
SNRI
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. A class of antidepressant medications that can also help with chronic pain. Examples include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella).
T
Tender Points
Specific areas on the body that are painful when pressed. Previously used to diagnose fibromyalgia, now part of a broader diagnostic criteria.
Trigger Point
A tight, irritable spot in a muscle that can cause local pain and referred pain to other areas. Can be treated with massage, injections, or physical therapy.
V
Vulvodynia
/vul-voh-DIN-ee-uh/
Chronic pain in the vulva (external female genitalia) lasting at least 3 months without an identifiable cause. Pain may be constant or triggered by touch.