Pain, a natural response to injury or ilness, varies between acute and persistent pain.

Acute Pain vs. Persistent Pain: What's the Difference?

Pain is a natural response to injury or illness, but not all pain is the same. There are two main types of pain: acute pain and persistent pain. Understanding the difference between these two types of pain can help you manage your symptoms and get the right treatment.

Acute Pain

Acute pain¹ is a type of pain that comes on suddenly and is usually caused by an injury or illness. This type of pain is usually short-lived (less than 3 months) and goes away once the underlying cause has been treated.

The first line recommendation for Acute pain is Topical NSAIDs². Also pain-killers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen and rest.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medication or recommend physical therapy.

Persistent pain

Persistent pain ¹, also known as chronic pain, is a type of pain that lasts for more than three months. This type of pain can be caused by an injury or illness, but it can also occur without any obvious cause.

Persistent pain can be difficult to treat, and it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Treatment for persistent pain usually involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Getting Help for Your Pain

If you're dealing with acute or persistent pain, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Don't suffer in silence – there are many options available to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life!
Utilizing options like heat therapy and cold therapy for relief.

Topical management options for pain relief

There are many topical management options available for pain relief, and it's important to find the right one for your needs. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns, so they can help you develop a treatment plan that works for you.
With the right combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and topical management options, you can manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Additional options include:

Heat Therapy³

Hot therapy, also known as thermotherapy, involves applying heat to the affected area to increase blood flow and relax muscles. This can help relieve pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles. Heat therapy is often used to treat acute pain, such as muscle strains or sprains. It can also be helpful for chronic pain, such as arthritis.

Examples of heat therapy include: Heating pads, Warm compresses, Warm creams and gels and warm baths or showers.

Cold Therapy³

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, involves applying cold to the affected area to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. This can be helpful for acute injuries, such as sprains or bruises. Cold therapy is usually used for short periods of time, such as 10-20 minutes at a time. It's important not to apply ice directly to the skin, as this can cause damage.

Examples of cold therapy include: Ice packs, Cold compresses, ice gels and creams and Cold baths or showers Natural-Ingredient Products

Natural-Ingredient Products

There are many natural-ingredient products that can help relieve pain and inflammation. These products often contain ingredients like menthol, camphor, or capsaicin, Arnica, CBD, which can provide a cooling or warming sensation.

Examples of natural-ingredient products include: Arnica cream,CBD gels, Capsaicin cream, Menthol rubs

These products can be helpful for both acute and chronic pain.

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