How does chronic pain differ from acute pain?

Chronic pain is characterized by its duration and persistence, often extending beyond the typical healing time associated with an injury or medical condition. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for immediate injury or harm and is typically temporary, chronic pain continues for weeks, months, or even longer after the initial cause has healed or been treated. This ongoing nature of chronic pain means it often requires different treatment approaches and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

The other options highlight misunderstandings about the distinctions between acute and chronic pain. For instance, chronic pain is not necessarily caused by a new injury; it may arise from past injuries or conditions that lead to long-term discomfort. Additionally, acute pain is typically brief and resolves as the underlying issue heals, which makes the comparison with chronic pain regarding duration inaccurate. While acute pain can respond to various treatments, chronic pain may require more complex management strategies, but it is not true that acute pain is resistant to treatment.