When you are in pain, you probably aren’t considering whether it is acute or chronic. But knowing the type of pain you have is actually very helpful when it comes to determining the underlying cause—along with the best course of treatment. That is why when it comes to acute and chronic pain relief in Orange Park, FL, you will want to make sure you are working with a pain management professional capable of getting to the bottom of your particular issue.

 

What Acute Pain Is

Acute pain usually happens right after—or shortly after—an injury. You might notice acute pain after a fall, a car accident, or a sports injury. Usually, acute pain comes on suddenly and is resolved once the event is over or the injury is treated.

Acute pain is typically sharp and usually responds well to treatments such as pain medication. Depending on the severity of the injury—or if there is tissue damage—acute pain treatment can begin working within a matter of minutes, hours, or days. Some significant events could take a few weeks to heal.

 

What Chronic Pain Is

Chronic pain is an ongoing or recurrent issue that causes sharp or dull pain for six months or longer. This is a pain that frequently interferes with normal daily activities and can be caused by various conditions, including arthritis, cancer, nerve issues, degenerative diseases, and age-related issues. While chronic pain can start suddenly, it often builds up over time.

 

Because chronic pain is ongoing and affects many aspects of your life, it is often associated with high stress levels and feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can take a toll on your personal and professional life and interfere with your sleep, appetite, and ability to work. This is why it is crucial to seek pain management for chronic pain to help take back control of your life.