What is the main difference between acute and chronic pain?

The main difference between acute and chronic pain is that acute pain is typically short-term, often occurring suddenly due to a specific injury or condition, and it usually resolves once the underlying cause is treated or healed. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for an extended duration—often defined as pain lasting longer than three to six months—and may continue even after the initial cause has been addressed. Chronic pain can result from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or nerve damage and often requires ongoing management.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in various fields, including massage therapy, where the approach to treatment may differ significantly based on whether the pain is acute or chronic. For example, acute pain may respond well to more aggressive treatments, while chronic pain often necessitates a multifaceted approach that may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.