The Cleveland Clinic states that sharp acute pain often begins suddenly to warn one of an infection, or following an injury or surgery. It will usually disappear within six months. The clinic explains that while chronic pain may originate with an injury or illness, it will linger for months or even years, causing it to be difficult to function. Some sufferers of chronic pain complain of chronic headaches, chronic back pain or chronic pelvic pain such as from endometriosis.

On the Other: Treatments need to be Different

With acute pain, likely a few painkillers will help ease the pain, but not with chronic pain. Beverly Thorn, PhD, a pain specialist at the University of Alabama, says that since chronic pain sometimes takes over one's life both physically and emotionally, traditional pain medication and surgery may not suffice to stop the pain. Familydoctor.org reiterates combining pain medication, along with physical therapy and aqua therapy to strengthen and stretch out muscles.

Bottom Line

All the websites confer that acute pain happens suddenly, and those sharp pains originate from an injury or recent surgery, and will usually subside with painkillers as the injury heals. However, chronic pain may linger for months and even years, disrupting a normal life, so try to find a treatment to minimize the pain, even if you cannot cure it.

Source:

Cleveland Clinic: Acute vs. Chronic Pain

Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain