What’s the difference between chronic and acute pain?

Acute pain is pain that tends to begin and mount rapidly, such as the pain experienced following an injury. Chronic pain is pain that persists or recurs over a long period, usually as a result of a disease like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or cancer. While acute pain typically resolves once the cause is treated, chronic pain can persist for months or years, taking a huge toll on quality of life and contributing to depression and anxiety. 

What factors can contribute to chronic pain?

Chronic pain can be caused or exacerbated by many factors, including poor nutrition, specific lifestyle habits, hormonal imbalances, long-term use of prescription medications, previous injuries, or even the aging process. One of the keys to determining the most appropriate treatment is to determine the underlying causes of chronic pain so treatment focuses directly on those causes rather than solely focusing on the symptoms.

How can chronic pain be managed?

At Phoenix Anti-Aging Clinic, pain management begins with a comprehensive physical exam, including lab tests and a detailed medical history, to identify underlying causes of pain. Once those causes have been identified, treatment may include holistic approaches like acupuncture, nutritional counseling, as well as lifestyle guidance to help patients tap into their bodies’ own natural ability to heal and relieve pain.