General Pain
Understanding your pain...
Pain is the body's warning sign that there is a problem. Ignoring or masking the pain is like covering an indicator light in your car with tape. The underlying problem still exists, you just can't see what damage is being done. People shrug off pain every day thinking it will work its way out, but that may not be the case. You might need to seek professional help to correct the problem and prevent future problems.
Acute vs. Chronic Pain
Acute Pain
Acute pain is any pain that is new to the body. Acute pain can last from minutes to several months. It can range from mild to severe in intensity, and the cause of the pain is usually known. Sprains and strains, cuts, broken bones, and surgeries are just some examples of acute pain. While not all acute pain requires medical treatment, it is important to obtain the proper care for acute pain to prevent any longterm residual effects. For example, a sprain or strain that is not properly treated in a timely fashion can cause future reinjury or lead to a more chronic pain.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain lasts more than six months and might be accompanied by insomnia, exhaustion, and even depression. Chronic pain can linger long after an illness or injury has healed and can greatly decrease quality of life. Though chronic pain can be associated with many conditions, some of the most common chronic pain conditions include headaches, back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, and arthritic conditions. Its unrelenting nature can impact mental and emotional health in addition to physical health.
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