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What's Normal - and What's Not?

Everyday aches and discomfort are a part of life, especially as we age. And we will all experience more severe pain at some point. But if pain is disrupting your life, limiting your daily activities or becoming an all-consuming focus, with no significant periods of relief, it’s definitely not normal. So what is normal pain, and when should you seek medical treatment?

Normal

• Occasional or even frequent aches and pains brought on by overuse, exertion, illness, or just everyday life. This type of pain should respond to standard, over-the-counter medications.
  
  
• Lasting pain and discomfort from surgery or injury. This can continue for weeks or
  even months, and in some case after pain medication has been discontinued. Alternative forms of coping with the discomfort, along with physical activity or rehabilitation as prescribed by your physician, are your best bets.
  

Not Normal

• Increasing frequency or severity of pain with no obvious cause. If there is no reasonable explanation for increasing pain levels, you should contact your doctor immediately.
  
  
• Debilitating pain that prevents rehabilitation or movement weeks or months after an injury or surgery. If your medications have been discontinued but your pain does not improve, you should seek treatment.
  

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