Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain: The Differences Explained

Dealing with pain is an unfortunate reality for many Americans. In fact, the estimated yearly healthcare costs for pain ranges between $560 and $635 billion.

However, not all pain is created equally. Generally speaking, the pain you’re feeling can be classified as one of two types: acute pain and chronic pain. So, how do you know which one you’re dealing with so you can talk to your doctor about potential treatment options?

We’ve got your back.

In this short guide, we’ll cover the differences between these two types of pain so you feel more informed.

What Is Acute Pain?

Acute pain is classified as pain that comes on suddenly. This is often a sharp pain and it doesn’t last more than six months. However, just because this isn’t an ongoing type of pain, it doesn’t mean it’s not serious.

When you experience acute pain, it’s usually your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong and that you should seek help from pain specialists.

Types of Acute Pain

Acute pain can happen based on a physical condition, like a broken bone, childbirth, or a burn. However, it can also happen as a result of something you can’t see. For example, a stomachache, migraine, or muscle cramp are all types of acute pain.

Once you receive treatment for the affected area, you can expect the pain to go away shortly.

Treatments for Acute Pain

The type of treatment you’ll receive for acute pain depends on what your ailment is. For something like a stomachache or headache, you can usually treat the pain yourself with over-the-counter medication.

If you’ve broken a bone, however, you’ll need treatment from a doctor. And, in more serious cases, like appendicitis, you may even need surgery to treat your acute pain.

In order to determine the cause of your pain, your doctor may do bloodwork or imaging like x-rays to help determine a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is ongoing, lasting for more than six months. Oftentimes, chronic pain is due to an underlying issue, which can be hard to diagnose.

Unfortunately, some types of chronic pain can’t be fully healed.

Types of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is often in the form of back or neck pain, arthritis, persistent headaches, fibromyalgia, and cancer. While you might think your pain is initially acute pain, especially when it comes to headaches or back pain, you should track it to see how long it lasts.

If it doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter medication and working with your doctor, then you’re dealing with chronic pain.

Treatments for Chronic Pain

Most of the time, treatments for chronic pain are temporary. For example, you might use topical creams, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatories.

If the pain persists, your doctor may suggest steroid injections to help alleviate the pain for longer periods of time.

Pain, Pain Go Away

Now that you know more about the differences between acute pain and chronic pain, you should have a better idea of how and when to talk to your doctor. Don’t let this pain rule your life! Seek out treatment as soon as you can.

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