Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasting for more than 3 months, often continuing beyond the normal healing time for an injury or illness. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal, chronic pain can occur without an ongoing injury or damage, sometimes even after the initial cause has healed. It can result from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, or fibromyalgia, but sometimes the exact cause is unclear. Chronic pain affects the nervous system, altering how pain signals are processed, and can impact a person's physical and emotional well-being, often requiring long-term management strategies.