Pain is a universal experience, yet not all forms of discomfort are the same. From acute injuries such as whiplash to ongoing, chronic discomfort that lasts months or years, finding an effective pain management strategy is critical to improving quality of life. At Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, IL, we specialize in multidisciplinary approaches for acute and chronic conditions to restore mobility and comfort for our patients.
If you’re suffering from pain, it’s essential that you understand the distinctions between acute, chronic, and acute-to-chronic forms as well as treatment options available.
Understanding Acute Vs Chronic Pain
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), pain is defined as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage”.
What Is Acute Pain?
Acute pain is a sudden, sharp sensation that serves as an early indicator of injury or illness, typically lasting from minutes to six months before its source heals itself. Common sources include physical injuries (sprains, fractures, burns or whiplash from an accident), surgical procedures, illnesses or infections and dental pain.
As acute pain tends to be temporary, its treatment requires both treating both its source and symptoms; often this requires making short-term lifestyle adjustments in your daily routine.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain typically lasts three months or longer after an injury has healed, becoming a medical concern and potentially impacting daily activities and mental well-being. Common examples of this form of discomfort are:
Studies reveal that chronic pain can develop into its own disease state, with significant physiological alterations in the brain, spinal cord and nervous system—necessitating long-term, multidisciplinary approaches for its management in order to effectively alleviate symptoms.
Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain
Unfortunately, acute pain may become chronic pain over time if its duration surpasses three months without relief; early intervention with a pain management specialist in Chicago, IL may help avoid this transition and thus lower risks associated with long-term complications.
At Premier Pain & Spine, we believe in taking an integrated multimodal approach to pain relief that tailors treatments specifically for each individual patient’s needs. These therapies may include:
Acute Pain Management
In treating acute pain, treatment should aim at both treating its source while simultaneously relieving discomfort. Common strategies include rest and activity modification, restricting movement to allow healing or ice/heat therapy to decrease inflammation and muscle tension.
Short-term opioid use (in limited circumstances) should only be considered for severe post-surgical or injury related pain relief. OTC pain relievers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen) or acetaminophen may provide temporary relief.
Proper treatment usually resolves acute pain cases within weeks or months.
Chronic Pain Management
Treating chronic pain requires an integrated and long-term approach, including:
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: can strengthen muscles while increasing mobility
- Behavioral Approaches: such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques.
- Complementary Holistic Therapies: Massage, acupuncture, yoga and tai chi for example are all beneficial in managing symptoms associated with these conditions.
With our combination of medical, interventional, and holistic treatments, we create tailored pain management plans to provide long-term relief.
Are You Struggling with Chronic or Acute Pain in Chicago, IL?
Don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent acquired conditions from becoming chronic. Download this Comprehensive Pain Management Guide from the US Pain Foundation to discover more about: The latest pain treatment options; How to effectively manage acute and chronic pain; And measures that may help prevent long-term complications related to pain management.
Pain Management in Chicago, IL
At Premier Pain & Spine in Chicago, our mission is to help Chicagoans live free from pain by providing tailored, cutting-edge treatments. Schedule your consultation and start on the path toward lasting relief!
Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534