What Is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?

Pain that hits you suddenly - after falling from a ladder, being tackled on the football field, or lifting a load that is just too heavy, for example - is acute pain. Acute pain comes on quickly and often leaves just as quickly. To be classified as acute, pain should last no longer than 6 weeks. Acute pain is the most common type of back pain.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, may come on either quickly or slowly, and it lingers a long time. In general, pain that lasts more than 3 months is considered chronic. Chronic pain is much less common than acute pain.

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The information in PROFCENTRAL  is not intended as a substitute for medical professional help or advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding medical conditions. A physician should always be consulted for back pain or any other health problem. PROFCENTRAL  provides links to other organizations as a service to our readers and is not responsible for the information, services, or products provided by these web sites, health professionals, or companies.