Acute pain is generally sudden in onset and associated with a specific event. Trauma, work or sports injuries, and surgery are common causes of acute pain. Anything that causes damage to the tissues or bones in and around the spine or joints can lead to acute pain. This type of pain typically lasts less than three months and doesn’t last longer than six months.
Symptoms:
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Burning
- Throbbing
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Associated weakness
- Increased pain with movement
Treatment:
- Rest at first with activity as tolerated
- Ice for the first 2-3 days then alternate with heat
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Acupuncture
- Laser therapy