Pain can be described as acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually related to an easily identified event or condition. For example, a child falling off his bike and breaking a leg will experience acute pain. Acute pain usually resolves within a period of days to weeks. In contrast, chronic pain may be present all the time. It is usually easy to tell if someone is in acute pain. They may be sweaty and be breathing quickly. Their pulse is often fast. There maybe facial signs of grimacing or moaning, and the patient may be holding the painful body part in a protective fashion. On the other hand, it may be very hard to tell if someone is experiencing chronic pain. The patient’s body has become accustomed to the pain, and there may be no signs visible to someone else of the patient’s level of pain. Patients with cancer often may experience chronic pain.

Pain is said to be nociceptive pain if it involves the direct stimulation of nerve endings and nerves. Nociceptive pain may involve the skin, muscles, bone, and internal organs. Patients typically describe nociceptive pain as sharp, aching, dull, or throbbing. Nociceptive pain generally responds well to acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medication such as morphine that is in the opioid family.

Neuropathic pain results from injury to one’s nerves. People describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, numbness, shooting, stabbing, or electric-like feelings. Unlike nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain can be treated with medication used for seizures or depression. Occasionally, medicines in the opioid family are also used to treat neuropathic pain.