What Is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?

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Pain is your body’s way of signaling a problem—but not all pain is the same. Acute pain comes on suddenly, often from injury or surgery, and usually resolves with healing. Chronic pain, however, persists for months or even years, often after the original cause has healed. Conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, or fibromyalgia can lead to chronic pain. Understanding the difference helps guide treatment—acute pain may need immediate relief, while chronic pain requires a longer-term management approach including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes.