Not all pain is the same. Different conditions can cause different kinds of pain, with different characteristics. Pain can range from mild to severe. It may be steady or throbbing, stabbing or aching, pinching or burning. It can be a little bit unpleasant or totally disabling. And everything in between. Some kinds of pain only last a short while. Other types of pain can hang on for months, or even longer. However you feel your pain, one thing is certain: only you really know how bad it is and should speak with your healthcare professional to learn about treatments for your pain.