College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What refers to the pain that persists despite the resolution of an underlying anatomical condition?

1. Acute pain

2. Chronic pain

3. Referred pain

4. Nociceptive pain

The correct answer is: Chronic pain

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists beyond the usual course of an acute illness or injury, often continuing for months or even years. It is characterized by the fact that it can occur even after the underlying anatomical condition has been addressed or resolved. This type of pain can be complex, often having physical, emotional, and psychological components, and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Acute pain, in contrast, is typically short-term and directly tied to an identifiable injury or condition. Referred pain is pain perceived in an area of the body that is not the source of the pain, often due to nerve pathways. Nociceptive pain refers to pain that arises from actual or potential tissue damage and is generally tied to a specific injury or condition, as opposed to persisting once the injury has healed. Thus, chronic pain is the correct choice as it distinctly highlights the situation where pain continues despite the absence of a current identifiable physical cause.