According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 61 million people experience chronic pain. Unlike acute pain, which is a response to injury or illness that goes away as you heal, chronic pain sticks around for weeks, months, or even years. For many, it can become a daily struggle that affects how their body feels and how they sleep, move, work, and enjoy daily activities.
Chronic persistent pain can show up anywhere in the body, but it’s especially common in the neck and back, which can make even basic tasks more difficult. While it can be frustrating to deal with, the good news is that there are ways to manage it—and physical therapy is often a key part of that plan.