There are two different types of pain. First there is acute pain. This is defined as pain that is the result of an injury, illness, recent surgery or inflammation. Acute pain is only temporary and usually goes away after the underlying cause has been resolved. The second type of pain is chronic pain. This pain is defined as pain that overwhelms all other symptoms and  becomes the problem. It is a pain that can last for weeks, months or even years. Chronic pain is said to be the most costly health problem in America today. Estimated annual costs, which include medical expenses, lost productivity and compensation payments, are estimated at $90 billion. A good percentage of the chronic pain sufferers have back pain.