What Are the Key Differences Between Chronic and Acute Pain?

It’s essential to recognize how acute pain differs from its chronic counterpart. Acute pain occurs suddenly and is caused by something specific. The negative sensations that acute pain presents are sharp. Treating acute pain involves resolving the underlying source.

Situations that can cause acute pain include:

• Broken bones
• Surgery
• Burns

—and much more.

The Link Between Trauma and Chronic Pain

Understanding the causes of chronic pain allows for more effective pain management. Research suggests a strong link between a history of trauma and this type of pain. People who have chronic pain are twice as likely to have experienced trauma in the past.

The physical changes behind this connection may take place in the nervous system. All pain is the result of nerve signals interpreted by the brain.

For most injured people, the pain of that injury goes away as the physical trauma heals. For some individuals, this pain never resolves on its own. Even if the traumatic events did not damage the body, chronic pain might still develop. This may be due to a process known as central sensitization.

Here’s an example:

A gentle touch can trigger pain when the nervous system is in a state of heightened reaction. This pain is as “real” as any other, regardless of the lack of an acute physical wound. This persistent state of reaction leads to stress, anxiety, and avoidance of physical contact.

Treating prior trauma can play a key role in a person’s ability to recover from chronic pain. Our outpatient pain management therapies help individuals process emotional pain and trauma. The body is then able to let go of its distressing fight-or-flight state.

Types of Pain Management

Chronic pain due to trauma often resolves promptly once the underlying trauma or pathology has healed. We utilize cutting-edge trauma treatment modalities for healing emotional trauma, childhood trauma, PTSD, and chronic pain.

Opioid treatment during pain treatment can understandably make the public nervous. Pain patients taking these prescriptions can easily abuse them and develop an addiction. Don’t let this get you down. Serenity Trauma Healing Center offers plenty of alternative trauma and chronic pain relief treatment plans.

Following an intake consultation, we will recommend a day treatment or IOP program to address your unique history and current challenges.

These healthcare treatment options in our Malibu, CA center can provide long-term relief from chronic pain and trauma:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Brainspotting
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
• EMDR Therapy
• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

The Negative Effects of Neglecting Pain Management

Pain management is about easing the suffering of physical pain and improving your quality of life. This frequently requires the coordinated efforts of a dedicated pain management team.

Your quality of life can improve with the assistance of:

• High-quality pain management doctors
• Chiropractors
• Licensed psychotherapists
• Massage therapists
• Movement therapists

Chronic Pain Treatment FAQ

It’s natural to have additional questions about pain management therapy. Serenity Trauma Healing Center strives to make the process of trauma therapy as transparent as possible. Some of our frequently asked questions may help strengthen your knowledge on the topic.