28 Jul Acute Versus Chronic Pain Management Care: Insights From Dr. Brandon Claflin
When you’re in pain, you might not be thinking too much about what type of pain you’re experiencing. For many people, all they know is that they’re hurting and they need relief.
However, knowing what type of pain you have can help you feel empowered to keep working on finding a treatment plan that works. When treating pain, it’s essential to differentiate between acute and chronic pain.
Dr. Brandon Claflin, pain management specialist, walks us through acute and chronic pain and how each can be treated:
What Is Acute Pain?
Acute pain is the body’s immediate response to injury or illness. It’s a warning signal that something is wrong, and its job is to get your attention so that you can take measures to heal the injury. Acute pain typically shows up suddenly and has a clear cause, such as a broken bone, surgery, or a burn.
Dr. Brandon Claflin states that this type of pain is usually sharp and intense but tends to fade as the underlying issue heals. For instance, soreness following a sprained ankle or a dental procedure is considered acute pain.
Treatment for acute pain often focuses on relieving symptoms and encouraging healing. Pain management doctors might recommend rest, ice and heat therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and short-term prescription medications.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain sticks around even after an injury has healed, often lasting longer than three months. It can be caused by conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve damage. In some cases, it may not have an identifiable cause.
Unlike acute pain, chronic pain isn’t there to protect your body, and it can seriously affect your quality of life. Dr. Brandon Claflin shares that pain isn’t just about the sensation. It can also keep people from hobbies and time with loved ones.
Managing chronic pain often requires a comprehensive approach. This may include medications, physical therapy, psychological support, and lifestyle changes. In most cases, the treatment focus is on improving each patient’s function and quality of life rather than eliminating the pain.
Acute vs. Chronic Pain
Acute and chronic pain may seem similar, but there are some key differences that put them in distinct categories. When we zoom out, we see that there are four main differences between these two types of pain.
- Duration: Acute pain is temporary, lasting less than a few months. Chronic pain persists beyond the general guidelines of three to six months — even lasting for years.
- Cause: Acute pain has a specific, identifiable cause, while chronic pain might not.
- Function: Acute pain serves as a protective mechanism, while chronic pain often serves no biological purpose.
- Treatment Goals: Acute pain management focuses on fixing the underlying issue, while chronic pain management focuses on improving quality of life.
How Is Acute Pain Treated?
Managing acute pain effectively involves addressing the source of pain and helping patients find relief while the injury heals. A pain management specialist (like Dr. Claflin) may recommend a treatment plan that includes rest and immobilization to allow the affected area to heal.
They may also recommend ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation and promote circulation, as well as medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Physical therapy can also help restore function and prevent stiffness after a surgery or major injury.
How Is Chronic Pain Treated?
Chronic pain management ultimately aims to reduce pain and help patients enjoy the things they love. A pain management specialist can analyze their patient’s unique needs and come up with a personalized treatment plan that could include any number of techniques.
For instance, some cases call for medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants for nerve pain, while others call for physical therapy to improve mobility. Other patients may require interventional procedures like nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, or radiofrequency ablation.
In many cases, pain specialists may recommend psychological support through cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the emotional effects of chronic pain. There are times when a doctor may recommend prescription pain medications like opioids, but since these can be highly addictive, prescriber oversight is essential. They can monitor the prescription and educate patients on how to use the medication safely.
Dr. Claflin also notes that many plans include lifestyle modifications. These could include incorporating regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and minimizing stress.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the difference between acute and chronic pain is key when it comes to choosing an appropriate treatment. Acute pain often results from injury or surgery and typically goes away once the injury is healed. Chronic pain, however, requires an individualized approach that may include medical, physical, and psychological elements.
Understanding these differences can help you seek appropriate care and improve your quality of life. Ultimately, the goal in both cases is to get you back to the life you love.
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Last Updated on July 28, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
