chronic pain, acute pain

There are significant differences between acute and chronic pain. Although the experience of pain is highly subjective, there are distinctions between acute and chronic pain. These differences most often involve the underlying cause and onset of the pain and how long the pain is experienced.

Let’s start with acute pain. Acute pain is most often associated with a sudden and identifiable cause such as an injury or an illness. It usually is triggered by some type of physical event that causes severe and sharp pain sensation. However, acute pain can also develop and intensify over days or weeks. Some examples of physical experiences that can cause acute pain include broken bones, cuts, infections, postoperative discomfort, a burst appendix, or some other physical trauma.

In many cases, the cause or source of the acute pain can generally be determined and then promptly treated to facilitate the healing process and end the pain. This short-term burst of acute pain is often treated with short-term treatments to alleviate pain symptoms as the body heals from the triggering event. This might include over-the-counter or prescription strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or Naproxen. In some cases, more powerful opioid medication (such as Morphine, Codeine, Tramadol, etc.) may be necessary to reduce the intensity of severe but temporary acute pain.

Acute pain is usually a short-term experience that starts as severe and subsides as the body heals from the trauma, injury, or illness that triggered the pain. The pain sensation is likely temporary – lasting no longer than 3 months. However, sometimes acute pain that persists beyond the expected healing time period, can evolve into chronic pain.

Chronic pain often develops gradually. It can be mild, moderate, or severe pain that worsens over time. Chronic pain persists (constantly or intermittently) for longer than 3 months and can last for years. With chronic pain, the underlying cause may not be clear or easily identifiable, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging. Some examples of the medical conditions that cause chronic pain include rheumatoid arthritis, cervical disc pain, sports-related or work-related injuries, compression fractures, osteoarthritis, and (CRPS) Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

If left untreated, chronic pain can cause additional medical, emotional, and social challenges or issues. Patients with chronic pain can experience anxiety, despair, depression, anger, sleep disturbance, suicidal thoughts, and other medical issues. Chronic pain also affects one’s relationships, productivity, activity levels, and quality of life.

Regardless of the type of pain, all pain should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the cause and an appropriate treatment or pain management plan.

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Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists (M.I.S.S.) is a leader in introducing the most advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology for the treatment and management of chronic pain. For over 20 years, M.I.S.S. has been dedicated to serving the Northwest Indiana community with the most progressive and minimally invasive treatments for pain. M.I.S.S. physicians are Board Certified Specialists. M.I.S.S. serves patients throughout Northwest Indiana and neighboring Illinois, (including Munster, Highland, Hammond, Dyer, Schererville, Merrillville, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Lansing, Calumet City, and surrounding cities). To Schedule an Appointment – Call (219) 836-7246. Please review our website disclaimer.

 

 

 

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