The Purpose of Acute and Chronic Pain

All pain can feel the same when it is being experienced in the moment. However, it is important to distinguish between different types of pain – because they each have their own purpose. These types of pain include acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute pain

The goal of acute pain is to protect us and our body. When someone puts their hand next to a hot flame they feel an intense heat that turns into a burning sensation. That pain is the body’s way of warning you to get your hand away from that hot flame, because it will cause your body harm. But not all types of pain are acute pain.

Chronic pain

The pain that many people suffer through is chronic pain. This pain can remain even after the original injury has healed. For instance, people who suffer from a car accident injury and seek rehabilitation and treatment may still experience pain. X-rays and other tests may show their body has healed, yet their pain is still present. Chronic pain can have many causes, and it is sometimes the result of improper or incomplete healing. While doctors treated the most obvious injuries, something may have been missed. That can be one reason the patient is still experiencing uncomfortable pain.

Rather than relying only on prescription pain medicine or other substances, it can help to look for treatment of the underlying cause, with your doctor’s guidance. That is why many patients are turning to chiropractic treatments as one option. Chiropractors have the ability to help many patients who are experiencing chronic pain. A chiropractor may help ease your chronic pain symptoms. While you may not feel complete relief after a single chiropractic adjustment, many people improve gradually with continued treatment, though results vary. Visit our Huntington Beach chiropractor to find out whether chiropractic care could help with your pain.