Many people in pain want to become active but don’t know where to begin. This is a brief introduction on exercise for those with chronic pain. Before we discuss the specifics of exercise for pain, I want to take the time to explain pain. Pain is a very complex topic and it is not realistic to think that this article can explain pain in a detailed manner. We have to start thinking of pain as the body's way of protecting itself and is not simply an indication of tissue damage.