Understanding the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Back Pain

When you are experiencing back pain, it can negatively impact many, if not all, aspects of your life. And back pain doesn’t discriminate – people of all ages and from every background can suffer from it. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of people in the US will experience lower back pain at least once in their lives (1).

While back pain is incredibly common and prevalent, not all back pain is equal. There are two main types – acute and chronic – and understanding the difference can help you and your spine health provider effectively manage your pain and find the treatment that is right for you.

Acute Back Pain

Acute back pain is pain that develops suddenly, usually as the result of an accident or injury, even if the injury is unidentifiable. It could last as little as a few days or as long as six weeks. Acute back pain is most often rooted in strains or sprains of the soft tissues in the back, such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments caused by improperly lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or muscle spasm. When experiencing acute back pain, patients usually complain of sudden, sharp, localized pain, stiffness, difficulty with certain movements such as bending or lifting, and muscle spasm. Treatment for acute back pain includes rest, ice/heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe cases may require physical therapy or prescription pain relief.

Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain usually develops gradually and often gets worse over time. It is typically defined as lasting constantly for at least three months or occurring sporadically over a period of at least six months. The origins of chronic back pain are often more complex than that of acute back pain, and could include:

• Degenerative disc disease 
• Arthritis 
• Herniated disc 
• Spinal stenosis 
• Compression fractures 
• Sciatica 
• Nerve damage 
• Injury 

Chronic back pain sufferers report feeling dull, aching, progressive pain, decreased range of motion, difficulty sleeping or maintaining regular activities, pain that radiates down the leg referred to as sciatica, muscle weakness, continuous or intermittent pain lasting at least 3 months, and stiffness, especially in the morning. Chronic back pain treatments include physical therapy, pain medication injections, laser therapy, lifestyle changes, or even surgery if conservative efforts fail.

Key Differences Between Acute and Chronic Back Pain 

The main differences between acute and chronic back pain include:  

• Duration: Acute pain is usually resolved within days or, at most, weeks, whereas chronic pain will last three months or longer. 
• Causes: Both acute and chronic back pain can be caused by an injury, chronic back pain can also be caused by more significant spine health challenges. 
• Lifestyle: While both types of back pain can severely hinder your daily activities, acute pain is usually temporary but chronic pain may necessitate long-term lifestyle adjustments.
   

When to Seek Medical Help 

No one likes having to go to a doctor, but when it comes to something as important as your spine health, it may be necessary. You should seek treatment from a medical professional if you are experiencing: 

• Extreme pain 
• Severe weakness 
• Numbness 
• Lack of bladder or bowel control  
• Sudden or severe weight loss 
• Bloody or cloudy urine 
• Groin pain 
• More intense pain when/if coughing 
• Pain that lasts longer than a week with self treatment 

Preventive Tips for Managing Back Pain 

The best defense is a good offense, and back pain is no exception! Here are some best practices to incorporate into your routine to prevent back pain before it starts: 

• Stretch and Strengthen: Targeted stretching and strengthening of your back and core muscles will go a long way to protect your spine health. Yoga and low-impact weight training are great options to add into your routine.  
• Move: Sitting for extended periods is not good for your back health. It can cause strain and stiffness. If you must sit for a long time, take breaks to move, stretch, and take a walk. Practice good posture when sitting, standing, or staying in one position for a while. 
• Lift carefully: When lifting a heavy object, keep your back straight, your knees bent, and use the strength of your legs to power your lift, not your back muscles. 
• Exercise: Adding at least two and a half hours of exercise to your week can help alleviate muscle pressure while allowing for movement. 
• Rest: Sleep is critical for all aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional health! Give your spine the time it needs to rest each night and select a mattress and pillow that will support natural spine alignment. 

Being proactive about managing your back health can reduce the likelihood you’ll experience back pain.

No matter what type of pain you are experiencing – whether it be acute or chronic – having back pain is not enjoyable. At Englewood Spine Associates, our goal is to help you feel better so that you can get back to living with less pain. With over 25 years of experience in providing spinal care and surgery, we have the expertise and resources to treat your back condition – no matter how severe it may be or how long you have been going through it. If we can help you get to the bottom of your back pain, please contact us.  

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586768/#:~:text=Back%20pain%20is%20a%20leading,11%2C12