It matters whether the pain is a response to some clear external stimulus or if it emerges seemingly out of nowhere. There are various types of pain based on when it occurs and how long it exists. During medical examinations we often come across expressions such as acute, chronic, or recurrent pain. Let’s explore what these terms mean and what the differences are among them.
Acute pain
Acute, or commonly known as sudden pain, is the most common type of pain that typically resolves within a few days, but at most within a week. Often taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories is sufficient. Acute pain is fundamentally an immediate response to some external impact, such as a needle prick or a blow, or an internal process, like an abscess at the root of a tooth. Its occurrence signifies that the body’s defence mechanisms have been activated.
The causes of acute pain
Acute pain can be caused by various factors, including:
- Physical trauma (such as accidents or surgery)
- Inflammation
- Migraine
- Nerve damage
- Treatment of acute pain
Sudden headaches are also considered acute pain. Using of pain relievers is effective in such cases. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid noisy environments and stressful situations, and cold packs can be applied if necessary.
Acute pain often occurs in the neck and lower back as well. In these cases, the problem is often related to the functioning of the intervertebral discs, with the pain being a reaction to the overload of the spine.
The treatment of acute pain
In the case of acute joint pain in the limbs, it is recommended to relieve the affected body part using elbow, wrist, or knee supports. For those suffering with ankle joint instability, acquiring an ankle support is advisable, whether for sports activities or to reduce daily stress. The same applies if our arm or leg gets injured due to a sports accident or other misfortune. The primary function of supports is to appropriately unload the injured limb and prevent the joint from dislocating. Additionally, it is essential to rest the injured limb as much as possible. In case of acute pain, elevation, ice application, and the use of pain and anti-inflammatory creams can also be helpful.
Acute pain can also manifest through neural inflammation, known as neuralgic pain, which usually lasts no longer than a few minutes.
It is important to note that the intensity of pain can vary. Taking pain relievers for an extended period does not solve the problem; it merely provides symptomatic relief. Therefore, if the pain persists after an extended period, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner or if necessary, seek a specialist.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain, also known as persistent or long-term pain is a continuous, long-lasting sensation that individuals may experience for months or even years. It often seems to appear seemingly out of nowhere, and the person may feel that there is no apparent cause for the onset of pain. This perception is not unfounded, as typical chronic pain is essentially a “secondary symptom” and never manifests on its own but rather as a consequence of an underlying condition. Unlike acute pain, which serves a protective role as an immediate response, chronic pain lacks a useful function. While diagnosing it can be challenging, especially since it often emerges after the resolution of the underlying disease. This is explained by the fact that pain receptors, even after recovery remain active, repeatedly and increasingly transmitting the sensation of pain. In contrast to acute pain chronic pain doesn’t have milder periods when it is felt that the pain is temporarily more “bearable.” However, over time, chronic pain can intensify.
The causes of chronic pain
The appearance of chronic pain can be caused by numerous reasons. However, the primary ones include:
- cancerous conditions
- autoimmune diseases
- neurological disorders
- sciatica
The treatment of chronic pain
If we feel that pain arises at some point in our body without any warning signs, it is advisable to promptly consult a medical practitioner. The treatment may involve both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Chronic pain is often associated with psychological factors, and the extent to which the psychological state contributes to the problem depends on the patient’s circumstances. This makes it more challenging to identify the causes of chronic pain as comparison to acute pain. Individuals suffering from chronic pain tend to isolate from the world and may experience depression. However, engaging in social activities, exercise, and anything that promotes the production of happiness hormones can contribute to alleviating pain and have positive impacts on initial depression.
If we decide – quite rightly – to engage in physical activity, we should be cautious and consult our treating physician. Start our workout with modified exercise methods, simpler forms of movement, and gradually increase intensity. If the pain reoccurs, it is essential to consult the treating physician again.
