Acute Vs Chronic Pain – What’s the Difference?

By Hannah Friedman | July 24, 2024

You’ve probably heard the words “acute” and “chronic” pain before – but what is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

The differences extend beyond how long the pain persists. Length of pain is a factor; however, there are more important differences. We must consider how each type of pain can affect someone’s quality of life.

Along with descriptions of each, we’ve also debunked common misconceptions about acute and chronic pain in this article.

close up view of a doctor placing a cast on a child's wrist.

The difference: Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain

Acute Pain

Acute pain is pain with a clear cause that goes away when the damage heals. It usually won’t last longer than 3-6 months.

This kind of pain can be the result of injuries like scrapes, broken bones, bruises, etc. Additionally, you may experience acute pain after a surgery or medical procedure.

When acute pain goes away, usually there aren’t any lasting effects. It’s the pain you expect when you get hurt.

Misconception: Acute pain is not “as bad” as chronic pain. This is false. Although acute pain resolves within 3-6 months, it can be severe. For example, the pain of breaking a bone or childbirth is usually acute pain. It’s important to note that one is not greater than the other.

close up view of someone putting a bandaid on their index finger

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is more persistent and complex than acute pain. This type of pain lasts longer than 3-6 months and doesn’t always have a clear cause. Unfortunately, the pain can stick around even after the original cause has healed.

With chronic pain, pain pathways can become amplified in the brain, leading to long lasting pain. Additionally, chronic pain can be brought on by several health conditions.

Some health conditions associated with chronic pain include:

  • Chronic migraine
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Endometriosis
  • Arthritis
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
  • Etc.

Misconception: “Chronic pain is purely psychosomatic.” This misconception is incredibly stigmatising as it perpetuates the notion that chronic pain is “just in your head”. This justifies the dismissal and abandonment of chronic pain patients. Even if someone’s chronic pain doesn’t have a clear cause, it is still very real for the person experiencing it.

female student in casual wear sitting at table with laptop and notebook and grimacing from migraine while doing homework during distance learning

The Impact of Pain: Acute & Chronic

Truthfully, pain is an unpleasant experience that impacts your overall quality of life. Beyond the primary feeling of pain, it brings emotional, social, and other physical challenges.

When you have acute pain, it can be distressing and temporarily life-altering. However, there is usually an end-in-sight and folks rally to help you out. 

When you’re in constant pain, it becomes difficult to engage in your life to the fullest. Many people with chronic pain deal with negative emotions, depression, anxiety, and fear. As a result, working, socializing, self-care, and movement becomes challenging.

man in the dark peeking out the blinds covering a window

Conversely, these challenges cause stress. The stress can manifest physically in the body, through tension and inflammation, leading to more pain.

Chronic pain affects the whole person, not just the physical body.

How to Manage Pain: Acute & Chronic

Acute Pain

Fortunately, there are several ways to address acute pain. It will depend on the nature or origin of the pain and your personal health preferences.

You might take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Gentle exercises or massage could help if the pain is muscular. Further, you may even be able to wait it out, depending on the severity of the pain.

To figure out the best way to find relief, you can ask your doctor or search for suggestions for your specific source of pain.

Chronic Pain

Alternatively, chronic pain usually requires an interdisciplinary approach to pain management. As chronic pain involves biological, psychological, and social factors, it should be addressed in a similar way: holistically.

Some professionals who can help may include (this varies depending on the type of chronic pain):

  • Family physician
  • Physiotherapist
  • Psychotherapist or counsellor
  • Massage Therapist
  • Personal Trainer
  • Neurologist
  • Rheumatologist
  • Acupuncturist
  • Etc.

Along with medical care, an important part of pain management is self-management. This includes steps you take each day to manage your condition. For example, pacing your activities, eating well, regular exercise, relaxation, and many more approaches.

Additionally, many people find support through alternative medicine, like aromatherapy, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy, Reiki, etc.

Finding what works can take a lot of trial and error, as chronic pain is unique to each person.

a woman practicing yoga in her apartment

Conclusion

Managing pain, acute or chronic, can be tough. However, making sure you have the right kind of support can help. There are so many approaches to managing pain, depending on several factors. Acute pain is usually short in duration, with a clear cause, while chronic pain is longer lasting and often due to an underlying condition.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) Acute Vs. Chronic Pain. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12051-acute-vs-chronic-pain

Grichnik, K.P. & Ferrante, F.M. (1991). The difference between acute and chronic pain. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, 58(3), 217-220.

Southern Pain and Neurological. (2020, January 23). The Difference Between the Types of Pain: Acute Vs. Chronic. Southern Pain and Neurological. https://southernpainclinic.com/blog/the-difference-between-the-types-of-pain-acute-vs-chronic/

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