CHRONIC PAIN VS. ACUTE PAIN: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Pain is a universal experience, but not all pain is the same. Some pain is temporary and short-lived, while other pain persists for months.^{198, 199} Understanding the difference between acute pain and chronic pain is crucial for managing it correctly and finding the right treatment. Pain can be caused by sudden injury, post-surgical pain, or a long-term condition like arthritis,¹⁹⁹, and knowing how to manage it is important for recovery and overall well-being.

WHAT IS ACUTE PAIN?

Acute pain is intense, sharp, short-term pain that comes on suddenly, usually as a result of something specific. This type of pain comes on suddenly and typically lasts anywhere from a day to a few weeks and disappears as the underlying cause heals. ¹⁹⁸

Common Causes of Acute Pain:

• Injuries – Fractures, burns, or cuts.¹⁹⁹
• Surgery – Post-surgical pain.¹⁹⁹
• Dental Procedures – Tooth extractions, root canals, or gum infections.¹⁹⁹
• Infections from an open wound.¹⁹⁸
• Pulling a muscle.¹⁹⁸

How to Treat Acute Pain:
Treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause while managing the temporary discomfort with¹⁹⁸:

• Pain Relief Medication – Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve mild to moderate acute pain.
• Cold or Heat Therapy.
• Rest.

WHAT IS CHRONIC PAIN?

In contrast to acute pain, chronic pain is long-lasting and persists every day (or most days) for three months or more and continues even after an injury has healed. Sometimes there is no clear cause.^198,199

Common Causes of Chronic Pain:

• Arthritis – Ongoing joint pain and stiffness.¹⁹⁹
• Migraines – Severe headaches that occur regularly.¹⁹⁹
• Neuropathic pain – Damage or malfunction of the nervous system.²⁰¹
• Fibromyalgia – Widespread pain and sensitivity in the muscles.¹⁹⁹
• Chronic Back Pain – Often caused by poor posture, injuries, or degenerative conditions.¹⁹⁹

Sometimes, chronic pain is the result of a previous injury or illness that has healed, but the nervous system remains active, continuing to send pain signals to the brain.¹⁹⁹

1. PAIN RELIEF MEDICATION

Depending on the severity, chronic pain may be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and muscle relaxants or, in some cases, steroids or prescription medication for nerve pain.¹⁹⁸

2. NON-DRUG THERAPIES

For people that prefer drug-free relief, there are several non-medicinal treatments like physical and occupational therapy.²⁰¹ Acupuncture is another alternative, while activities like yoga and tai chi work for some people.¹⁹⁸

3. STRESS MANAGEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Chronic pain may lead to anxiety, depression and/or insomnia, which can make managing it more stressful.198 A technique that may be helpful is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which can change how the brain perceives pain and can help manage the psychological impact of chronic pain.²⁰⁰

Did you know? Studies have shown that chronic pain and mental health can intensify one another.¹⁹⁸ Managing stress effectively can help reduce chronic pain symptoms.

ACUTE VS. CHRONIC PAIN: HOW DO THEY COMPARE?

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

While both acute and chronic pain can often be managed at home, certain pain symptoms may require medical attention. Seek help if:

• Pain worsens or returns after treatment.²⁰¹
• You experience unpleasant side effects of your pain treatment.²⁰¹
• Pain interferes with daily activities, sleep, or mental health.²⁰¹

A doctor can help identify the cause and recommend the best pain management strategies.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pain is a complex experience but understanding the difference between acute and chronic pain helps with planning the right treatment approach. Acute pain is short-lived, often improving with rest and medication. In contrast, chronic pain requires long-term management strategies, such as physical therapy and stress reduction techniques.