Primary chronic pain is a condition in its own right - there is no known condition other than the pain itself e.g. fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome.

Secondary chronic pain is a pain which tends to be caused by another condition e.g. osteoarthritis, endometriosis, migraines, back pain, neck pain.

Chronic pain can occur when nerves become more sensitive to pain. The original cause of the pain may repeatedly stimulate nerve fibres and cells that detect, send, and receive pain signals. Repeated stimulation can change the structure of nerve fibres and cells or make them more active. As a result, pain may result from stimulation that might not ordinarily be painful, or painful stimuli may seem more severe.

Acupuncture may help relieve chronic pain by :

• Stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, which leads to release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors to cause an analgesic effect.
• Changing the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord.
• Reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors.