Ouch! When Pain Outstays Its Welcome: Chronic vs. Acute Pain Explained
Let’s talk about pain. Not the “I stepped on a LEGO” kind (though that does deserve its own category), but the kind that hangs around like an uninvited guest who missed all the social cues to leave.
You’ve probably heard the terms acute pain and chronic pain tossed around, but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how does pain that starts as a normal body signal turn into something long-lasting, exhausting, and frankly, a little rude?
What is acute pain?
Acute pain is your body’s built-in alarm system. It’s your brain waving a red flag and yelling, “Hey! Something’s wrong here!” Maybe you twisted your ankle, burned your hand, or pulled a muscle trying to prove you can still do the splits. This type of pain is short-term, usually lasting less than three months, and it’s there to protect you. Once the body heals, the pain typically backs off and leaves you alone.
And chronic pain?
Chronic pain is like that one song you were obsessed with… until it wouldn’t leave your head for three months straight. It's pain that lingers beyond normal healing time—usually defined as longer than three months. But unlike acute pain, chronic pain doesn't always come with a clear injury or tissue damage. The pain is real (we can’t emphasize that enough), but it’s often being fueled by changes in how your nervous system and brain process pain.
Think of it like your pain system has a faulty smoke detector. The fire is long gone, but the alarm won’t shut off.
So how does pain become chronic?
Great question. Here’s where things get science-y (but don’t worry—we’ll keep it friendly).
Pain is a brain-body experience. When we get injured or something hurts, nerves send danger signals up to the brain. The brain decides whether or not it’s worth paying attention to—and whether you should feel pain.
But if pain goes on for too long, the nervous system can become extra sensitive. It starts reacting to normal things as if they’re dangerous. It’s like your brain is a faulty car alarm, the car alarm will go off even if someone brushes by your car or there is a breeze.
Some common ways pain turns chronic include:
Nerve hypersensitivity – Nerves become extra reactive, like a car alarm that goes off when a leaf falls on the hood.
Neuroplasticity gone rogue – The brain “learns” pain. The more you feel it, the more wired-in it becomes.
Stress and emotions – Ongoing stress, anxiety, or past trauma can amplify pain signals.
Lack of movement – Avoiding movement out of fear can actually increase pain over time. The body stiffens, muscles weaken, and the nervous system stays on high alert.
Chronic pain doesn’t mean “all in your head”—but your brain is involved
Here’s the truth bomb: All pain—acute or chronic—is processed by the brain. That doesn’t make it “imaginary.” It makes it complex, and it means that managing chronic pain involves more than just fixing your body. You have to retrain your brain and nervous system too.
That’s where therapy (like what we do at STC Therapy) comes in. We help you understand the science behind your pain, teach tools to calm your nervous system, and work through the mental load that chronic pain brings.
Because managing chronic pain isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about working with your body and brain to find relief, regain confidence, and get back to living.
Final thoughts: If pain is a guest, you get to decide the house rules
Chronic pain may have overextended its welcome, but it doesn’t get to run the show. With the right knowledge and support, you can turn the volume down on pain and start writing your own rules again.
Need support managing chronic pain?
At STC Therapy, we offer virtual sessions to help you better understand your pain and develop personalized strategies to feel more in control.