Pain Management Basics Everyone experiences pain at one point or
another. It's often an indication that something is wrong. Each
individual is the best judge of his or her own pain. Feelings of
pain can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant.
What Is Acute Pain? Acute pain begins suddenly and is usually
sharp in quality. It serves as a warning of disease or a threat
to the body. Acute pain may be caused by many events or
circumstances, such as: - Broken bones - Dental work - Burns or
cuts - Labor and childbirth Acute pain may be mild and last just
a moment, or it may be severe and last for weeks or months. In
most cases, acute pain does not last longer than six months and
it disappears when the underlying cause of pain has been treated
or has healed. Unrelieved acute pain, however, may lead to
chronic pain.