What is a characteristic of chronic pain?

Chronic pain is characterized by its persistence over longer periods of time, typically defined as lasting three months or longer. This distinguishes it from acute pain, which is usually temporary and often linked to a specific injury or condition. Chronic pain can result from various underlying issues, including ongoing medical conditions, nerve damage, or inflammation and may not have an easily identifiable source. This prolonged nature of chronic pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, often requiring comprehensive management strategies that may involve medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological support.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of chronic pain; for instance, chronic pain does not resolve naturally without some form of intervention, nor is it always acute or limited to a few hours. Thus, the defining characteristic of chronic pain is its duration, making the identification of this aspect critical in pain management and treatment planning.