Chronic vs. Acute Pain - What’s the difference?

Pain is pain, however there are different categories of pain: chronic, acute, breakthrough, soft tissue, and phantom limb pain to name a few. You may be asking yourself, what’s the difference between chronic and acute pain?

Chronic pain is typically defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. Chronic pain often times involves neuropathic and nociceptive pain.

Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to the tissue, muscles or joints. “Nociceptive pain is the most common type. It’s caused by potentially harmful stimuli being detected by nociceptors around the body.” [1] Most people describe nociceptive pain as numbness, aching, tingling or a feeling of pins and needles.

Neuropathic pain occurs when there is nerve damage to the body. “Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition. It’s usually the result of, or accompanied by, an injury, disease, or infection. However, neuropathic pain is not the direct result of any one factor” [2] Neuropathic pain is often times described as stabbing, shooting, burning, numbness and tingling.

Acute pain alerts the body to a possible injury. Acute pain typically comes on suddenly and is caused by a specific event. Examples of acute pain would include a broken bone, a root canal, surgery, or a cut on your finger. Acute pain goes away after the injury has healed.

Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, it is important to seek medical treatment. If you are experiencing chronic pain, contact iSpine Pain Physicians to schedule a consultation today. Click here to be contacted by iSpine Pain Physicians.

Resources: 

1. Nociceptive Pain, Accessed on 02.12.2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/nociceptive-pain

1. What you should know about neuropathic pain, accessed on 012.2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/neuropathic-pain