Acute vs. Chronic Pain

How is Pain Interpreted By the Body?

Pain is a process that involves lightning-quick communication between the nerves and brain. When there is something wrong with a body part, it is communicated directly to the brain, which interprets that pain, and sends it right back to the affected area.

Acute & Chronic Pain

There are two main types of pain, acute and chronic. The severity of both these forms of pain can range from mild to severe. Acute pain typically stems from a singular event such as a broken ankle, car accident, a slip or a  fall, etc. In a majority of instances this pain, when treated correctly, will last a duration of time prior to going away. However, if poorly managed, it can sometimes turn from acute pain to chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a more persistent pain that slowly develops over a period of time and can stem from a variety of different things. Things such as repetitive motions, poor posture, overuse, and aging can all be contributors to the development of chronic pain. Injuries commonly associated with chronic pain include muscle strains, tendonitis, joint sprains, and chronic inflammation. Similar to how it develops, it also takes a long time and requires a process to successfully combat. In many instances, it is necessary to alter some aspect of our lifestyle to help alleviate the pain or prevent it from progressing to a worse state.

Things to Consider

How are you recovering?

If you are an active person and or your job requires a certain degree of physical activity, are you spending the necessary amount of time to make sure your body recovers? This can come in the form of stretching, foam rolling, ice & heat, and sleep. All of these activities help the body repair damaged tissues and promote healthy blood flow into the area.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Everyone is different but, it is safe to assume most people need roughly 8 hours of sleep on a per night basis. This is when muscle tissues are most effectively repaired and experience the highest rate of growth. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of injury

Are you moving enough?

Believe it or not, the source of chronic pain can come from a lack of movement. Sitting all day at a desk or on the couch can lead to poor posture, poor body mechanics, stiff joints, and tight muscles. Simply stretching twice per day for 15 minutes, and making sure you are taking frequent breaks, can help combat pain associated with lack of movement