Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Acute vs. Chronic Pain
Content

Ask An Expert

Acute vs. Chronic Pain

Karen Pantazis

Karen Pantazis, M.D.

Sutter Amador Hospital

Question:

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Answer:

Acute pain is a pain that has a limited time frame. It usually, though not always, starts suddenly, has an identifiable cause, can be treated, and once treated, the pain subsides. In that sense, since the cause of the pain can be 'cured', acute pain can usually be 'cured'. Examples of acute pain are:
  • Pain coming from appendicitis - once the appendix is removed, the pain goes away.
  • Pain coming from childbirth - once the baby is delivered, the labor pains stop.
  • Pain from a broken limb - once the limb is healed, the pain goes away.

Chronic pain is a pain that is long-lasting and ongoing. It can come on suddenly or gradually. Sometimes an identifiable cause for the pain can be found and sometimes, despite many diagnostic tests, no cause can be clearly identified. The pain may be coming from various areas or causes, none of which are 'curable', but they can be managed to help reduce the pain to a reasonable level. Examples of chronic pain are:

  • Pain coming from degenerative discs - the spine cannot be replaced but the pain can be improved by exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, stress reductions, physical therapy, medications and injections.
  • Pain coming from arthritis involving many joints - some, but not all, joints can be replaced, but the pain can be improved by exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, stress reductions, physical therapy, medications and injections.
  • Pain coming from fibromyalgia - the muscles can't be replaced, but the pain can be improved by exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, stress reductions, physical therapy, medications and injections.

In each of these types of pain, the patient's attitude, anxiety, stress, and personal habits all play a role in increasing or decreasing their pain levels.

Related Questions

Question
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
    I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?
  • Concussions in Children and Teens
    I'm concerned about my child getting a concussion while taking part in organized athletics. What can I do?
  • Neuropathy Pain in Legs and Feet
    I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
  • Deciding on Knee Replacement?
    I am 79 years old and fairly fit, but I have some problems with balance and a lot of pain in my knees. An orthopedist said I had "bone-on-bone" issues. Do you have any advice for me that could help me make a decision about knee replacements?
  • Numbness and Tingling in the Hands
    I wake up with my right hand numb. My thumb and middle finger seem the worst. It takes awhile for the numbness to wear off. I work in a grocery store, so I'm always on my feet and on the register. What should I do?

Back to Back and Spine Health

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences