Acute Vs. Chronic Pain – What Is The Difference Anyway?

There are no stringent guidelines over when acute pain becomes chronic pain. Integrated Pain Consultants is your leading Phoenix pain clinic and treats acute pain, chronic pain, and the kind of pain that hasn’t “settled” on a definition just yet. Acute pain by definition is shorter and not lifelong. It can be very quick, such as a papercut, or it can be more serious and last for months. A general rule of thumb in the world of pain management is that chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than six months.

But what about that injury that hurt for seven months? That’s just an example of how pain is unique, just like us. Pain is our body’s way of telling us that something isn’t right. However, how we each experience pain is individual. The exact same injury might be rated differently in two different people. There are also conditions in which the body goes a little haywire and sends pain signals when a trauma has long since healed—or never existed in the first place.

Pain is tricky and a reputable pain clinic will prioritize a patient’s safety and well-being while offering a plethora of pain management options.

Naming Our Pain: Acute vs. Chronic

Acute pain usually happens suddenly and there is a specific trigger. It’s often described as “sharp” and will go away when the cause of the pain has subsided. Some of the most common causes of acute pain include surgery, dental work, childbirth, broken bones, and burns or cuts.

Chronic pain can last a long time and even a lifetime. It persists even after a trauma has healed. Common types of chronic pain include arthritis, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and back pain. Chronic pain can range from mild to severe and often leads to other physical manifestations like poor appetite or energy.

No matter your type of pain or the cause, know that help is available. A treatment plan can be devised that works for you, your body, and your pain reduction goals. Schedule a detailed evaluation and book an appointment at Integrated Pain Consultants today by calling (480) 626-2552.