When Is Pain Considered Chronic?

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Pain can vary in degree, and the amount of time one feels the sensation. It can be personal and subjective to one’s experience. It can also be an indicator of a greater injury or medical condition. But how does one differentiate acute pain from chronic pain?

Acute pain can be caused by injured or diseased muscle tissues and subsides as the damaged tissue heals. Its purpose is to be an indicator of injury or an underlying cause of the pain. Chronic pain, however, may not have the same straightforward cause as it varies widely.

Chronic pain can be described as a persistent pain that can last for more than three months. And while some cases have direct causes such as injuries or ongoing illness, there are cases where there is no clear cause to the pain. Chronic pain may also be accompanied by other health problems such as loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and even mood changes.

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Chronic pain can be experienced even without signs found in acute pain like tissue damage or injury. So, having chronic pain without an apparent or obvious cause is possible and should be treated.

Lastly, chronic pain commonly leads to disuse syndrome. Disuse syndrome is the long-term lack of physical activity. It can impact a patient’s musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological processes negatively. It can also eventually lead to a debilitating lack of wellness.

Dr. Karl Jawhari Reviews is a national speaker for the Health Awareness Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness. He also shares his knowledge and the results of his reviews and research to empower local communities. To read more on chronic pain, visit this blog.