Chronic Pain vs. Acute Pain

Chronic Pain vs. Acute Pain

This content was medically reviewed by Baher S. Yanni, MD, on January 28th, 2016.

If you are experiencing pain, it is unique to you. Is it sharp? Has it been around for a while? Does it keep you from participating in activities, or just make the activities harder?

At the Spine INA, we specialize in understanding and relieving pain. We work very hard to stay on the cutting-edge of nonsurgical treatments that get people moving again. It is possible to get your life back without going through the trauma of invasive surgery.

If you are experiencing pain, you should know what kind it is. The two main kinds are acute and chronic. While their differences may seem obvious, we have dedicated this blog to them in order to ensure their smaller nuances are understood.

Acute Pain

• This is the type of pain that most people would call “normal.” It is your body’s normal reaction to being hurt. It will happen when you stub your toe, burn yourself, or break a bone. It starts suddenly and does not last long – it gets better and better.

Chronic Pain

• This is pain that outlasts an injury. Weeks, months, and even years will go by without relief. It doesn’t have to be constant – sometimes, it comes and goes. Unfortunately, it often alters the nervous system, making you more sensitive to the pain, which lasts longer and feels more severe.

Chronic pain is usually diagnosed if it lasts longer than three to six months, but it is arbitrary. Chronic pain can be extremely frustrating because its causes aren’t always clear. That is where the Spine INA comes in. We specialize in treating impossible pain. Contact us today for an appointment!