Chronic and acute pain are two distinct types of pain experienced by individuals. Those who suffer from chronic pain tend to rate it differently than those who suffer from acute pain. The severity and duration of pain can greatly differ between the two types, and they require different approaches for treatment.
When healthcare professionals ask patients with fibromyalgia to "rate their pain," it can be difficult to determine whether they are accounting for the distinction between chronic and acute pain. Since chronic pain is ongoing and can last for months or even years, patients with fibromyalgia may experience it differently and rate their pain differently than those with acute pain.
If you suffer from chronic pain, it's important to discuss this distinction with your healthcare provider. Additionally, when discoursing your pain with your healthcare provider, it's imperative to articulate how your pain affects your daily life rather than focusing solely on a specific rating of your pain. By providing your healthcare provider with a detailed and comprehensive understanding of how your pain affects your life, they will be better equipped to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Healthcare professionals need to take this distinction into account and work with patients to develop a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
Comments