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Types of Physical Pain
In medical terms, there are two types of physical pain: acute and chronic
Acute pain
Acute pain is a natural biological response to physical stress being put on the body. It is caused by a specific event (such as an injury, surgery or giving birth). While it can be intense during the event, once the event is over, the pain quickly begins to fade. However, a lower level of acute pain can linger for up to six months while the body heals.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is long-term day-to-day pain that lasts for more than six months. It is considered a disease because it serves no biological purpose, continues beyond the body’s normal healing time and has no clear ending. It may be caused by any of the following:
- A range of chronic conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease)
- A range of autoimmune disorders
- Serious past injuries
- Psychosomatic reasons
Learn more about pain management
Types of Physical Pain