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Pain is, unfortunately, something that most of us will have to deal with at some point in our lives, whether it's from an injury or an illness such as diabetes or arthritis. But when does pain turn into chronic pain? And how can you prevent it?
People who suffer from acute pain will likely develop chronic pain if they don't take measures sooner rather than later!
What’s the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?
Acute pain is the body's natural response to injury or illness. It is typically short-lived, lasting only a few days or weeks. When you first experience pain from an injury or a condition such as a bulging disc, that initial period of a few days to a few weeks is considered acute pain.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial injury or illness has healed. In some cases, acute pain can become chronic if not addressed early on. Chronic pain can also be associated with a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis.
Many people take pain medications or corticosteroid shots to try to relieve chronic pain. There are other options you can try with a chiropractor that may allow you to feel better without much use of medications.
When Does Acute Pain Become Chronic Pain?
Typically pain from an injury or condition, such as a bulging disc, that doesn't heal properly will result in ongoing pain. You might not feel the pain all the time, but if it keeps recurring from time to time it’s considered chronic pain. While there is no surefire way to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic pain, there are some things you can do to lower your risk.
First, you can take time off and rest when you need to heal. This is important because many injuries happen when people push themselves too hard, physically or mentally. Taking time off for rest will help lower your stress levels and slow down your heart rate, which can have a calming effect on your body's nervous system. It also gives your body time to recuperate from the source of pain.
If you don’t remember what started the pain, it may take some time for a chiropractor to identify the root cause so that it can be treated. Some pain, like the pain from osteoarthritis, is chronic because it’s a condition that’s been developing slowly over time.
How to Prevent Chronic Pain
The best advice we can give is to address pain early when it’s “not so bad.” We talk to a lot of patients who were trying to wait it out, but the pain never went away. If you’re not healing and feeling better after about 2-3 weeks of pain such as back pain or knee pain, it’s time to get some help.
Another way to prevent chronic pain is to avoid it from starting at all. Many people use regular chiropractic visits to be sure their body is properly aligned. If you are experiencing neck or back pain, make an appointment to prevent or relieve it before it becomes a serious problem.
Chiropractic Treatments for Chronic Pain
If you are experiencing acute pain, chiropractic treatments may help to prevent it from becoming chronic. If you’re already at the point where the pain has been around for a while, it’s not too late to get some help!
Chiropractic care is a drug-free and non-invasive way to relieve pain and improve your overall health. The chiropractor’s goal is to treat the source of pain so you can find relief from the root cause. Before any treatments are given, the chiropractor will get a better understanding of what is causing your pain. From there, a treatment plan can be put into place.
Depending on the type of pain and location, several different treatment options might be used, including:
In addition, they may also recommend exercises and stretches to help improve your range of motion and reduce inflammation.
Caring for Patients with Chronic Pain in The Woodlands and Montgomery County
For many patients, surgery can be avoided or delayed, and your range of motion can return as you use chiropractic care to relieve the burden of chronic pain. Request an appointment with one of our chiropractors in Alden Bridge to see what can be done to help you feel better and get back to your regular routine.
