Acute Pain

What is acute pain?

Acute pain is relatively short-lived — usually lasting less than six months. Acute pain is typically a warning sign of an injury and goes away when the condition that causes it heals. For example, you might have acute pain because of:

• Surgery
• Broken bones
• Burns and cuts
• Sprains and strains
• Sports injuries
• Automobile accident injuries

Acute pain varies in severity. You might have a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. Your pain might also be worse during movement or after periods of rest.

When should I talk to a doctor about acute pain?

If you have an injury or surgery, your doctor discusses pain management and aftercare before they release you. They talk to you about what to expect and prescribe medicine and other therapies to manage your pain while you recover. You should contact Health Solutions if your pain lasts longer than anticipated or if your pain management methods don’t relieve your discomfort. 

Also, get in touch with a pain management specialist if you develop pain without an obvious injury, such as back, knee, or hip pain. 

How is the cause of acute pain diagnosed?

The team at Health Solutions offers comprehensive exams to identify and evaluate the source of pain. They talk to you about your symptoms, injury, if applicable, and medical history. In some cases, your doctor might order X-rays or other diagnostic imaging studies to examine your bones, muscles, and connective tissue. 

How is acute pain treated?

Treatment for acute pain depends on the injury or condition causing it. For example, if you have a sports injury like a sprained ankle or dislocated finger, your physician might prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and instructions to apply an ice pack to your injury for 15-20 minutes every hour. 

However, if you had surgery or a more severe injury, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain relievers for the first few days when your pain is most severe. 

The team at Health Solutions also offers osteopathic manipulation and muscle and joint injections to reduce acute pain and help you stay comfortable while recovering from painful injuries. They might also provide a referral for physical therapy.

Osteopathic manipulation can also help prevent pain conditions from becoming chronic. For example, if you wake up with a stiff, sore neck and can’t turn your head, osteopathic manipulation often delivers rapid, pharmaceutical-level pain relief. 

If you’re looking for personalized acute pain management, call Health Solutions, or make an appointment online today. Same-day visits are available.