Living with pain can be incredibly challenging, affecting every aspect of your life, from work to relationships—and even simple daily tasks like cooking and getting around. Worldwide, up to 30% of adults suffer from some type of chronic pain.
Whether it’s a sudden injury or a persistent condition, understanding the nature of your pain is important for finding the right treatment and providing relief. Pain management specialists can help guide you through the complexities of acute and chronic pain, offering personalized care tailored to your specific needs.
Acute vs. Chronic Pain: What’s the Difference?
Acute pain describes temporary pain that lasts for three months or less. It often results from an injury or illness, and is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong and requires attention. Acute pain typically resolves as the underlying cause heals, such as a sprained ankle or an infection.
Chronic pain differs from acute pain in its duration and persistence. It’s considered pain that lasts for three months or longer, often beyond the expected time for healing or recovery.
While acute pain goes away when the cause is addressed, chronic pain does not. In some cases, chronic pain is considered a “disease state” and is caused by an underlying health condition, such as arthritis or neuropathy.
Examples of Acute Pain
Examples of acute pain can include:
- Sinus infection that causes headaches and sinus pressure
- Sprained ankle, fractures, or other injuries that aren’t severe
- Post-surgery discomfort, such as tenderness and aches
- Burns
- Minor fractures, cuts, or wounds
- Muscle strains or spasms
- Headaches or migraines
- Labor pains during and immediately after childbirth
- Joint dislocations
- Kidney stones
- Sore throat
- Toothaches
Examples of Chronic Pain
Below are some examples of chronic pain:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Lower back pain caused by herniated or bulging discs
- Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
- Migraines
- Pelvic pain
- Post-surgical pain (lingering pain after surgery)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Cancer-related pain
- Abdominal pain caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
How is Acute Pain Managed?
Treatment for acute pain often focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the pain while providing temporary relief.
In most cases, acute pain is treated with:
- Rest
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medications or short-term prescription drugs
- Elevating an injury to reduce swelling
- Physical therapy, which can include stretches, massages, and targeted exercises to aid in mobility
- Minor procedures to support recovery
What Are Treatment Options for Chronic Pain?
Managing chronic pain often requires a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of treatments, such as:
- Use of medication if needed, such as pain medications, nerve blocks and anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy
- Surgery, if needed, to correct an injury (such as a spinal or ACL injury)
- Alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy
- Lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, stress management and diet changes
- Psychological counseling, in some cases, to help with anxiety, frustration or depression
When to Seek Help for Pain
If you’re experiencing persistent pain that interferes with daily life despite initial treatments, it’s recommended that you seek help from a pain management specialist.
Signs that it’s time to see a specialist include:
- Pain lasting longer than three months
- Pain that increases in intensity
- Failure to respond to other treatments, including over-the-counter drugs or non-invasive therapies
- Poor recovery from injuries or surgeries
- Pain that significantly impacts your quality of life and ability to function
Don’t let pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. At the Stony Brook Center for Pain Management, we’re committed to helping you overcome your pain and reclaim your well-being. We evaluate each patient and customize our treatment plans to alleviate pain and help patients become more functional. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
