Acute vs. Chronic Pain
The two main types of pain are acute and chronic pain. The one main thing these types of pain have in common is they cause discomfort. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. While acute pain happens fast and sometimes goes away without any cause, chronic pain often lasts longer than six months and even continues once you’ve been treated for the issue. At Greater Maryland Pain Management, we treat chronic conditions and acute injuries to help relieve discomfort for patients in Odenton and Crofton, MD. Our compassionate team will help you better understand your type of pain and how to treat it.
What Is Acute Pain?
Acute pain is discomfort that happens sharply and suddenly. Acute pain is a warning sign that warns you of a threat or disease. It might be caused by many circumstances, including:
- Broken Bones
- Surgical Pain
- Cuts or Burns
- Labor and Childbirth
- Muscle Strain or Sprain
The pain may be mild and only last a few minutes, or severe and last for months. Acute pain typically does not last longer than six months. Once the underlying cause of pain is treated, it fades.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is ongoing discomfort that often lasts longer than six months. Chronic pain usually continues after the underlying cause of the pain is healed. The type of pain signals caused by chronic pain is active in the nervous system for long periods of time. Chronic pain usually shows itself in many areas of the body and ways, including:
- Arthritis
- Headache
- Nerve Pain
- Cancer
- Shoulder Pain
- Neck Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Fibromyalgia
Effects of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain often causes stress to the body that produces many physical and mental conditions, including:
- Limited Movement
- Tense or Tight Muscles
- Feeling of Lethargy
- Feeling of Anxiety
- Fear of Extensive Pain
- Changes in Appetite
- Depression
- Feeling of Anger
Customized Approach to Pain Relief
Our board-certified physicians will treat your acute or chronic pain with a customized approach. We know pain can be scary at times. Our customized approach includes:
- Diagnostic Consultations – We’ll help diagnose acute or chronic pain by listening to how your pain affects your daily lift and performing a thorough physical examination.
- Interventional Procedures – We’ll discuss our non-surgical, interventional procedures to help manage and alleviate your pain.
- Medication Management – If needed, we will devise an efficient pain medication management plan.
Why You Should Choose Greater Maryland Pain Management
You don’t have to live with acute or chronic pain. While acute pain often fades after a period of time, chronic pain can last for years. Greater Maryland Pain Management is a clinic you can trust for pain management. Our state-of-the-art equipment and skilled care will help you return to your daily lifestyle. We know chronic pain is often best treated using various non-invasive approaches, so we will work tirelessly to find the best combination for your needs. Contact our offices in Odenton or Crofton, MD, to get started towards your life free of pain. We know living in pain is challenging. We will help you get on a treatment plan to success.