Which type of pain typically lasts less than three months?

Acute pain is defined as a type of pain that typically lasts less than three months. It often arises suddenly in response to a specific injury or illness and serves as a protective mechanism, alerting the body to potential damage. This form of pain is usually sharp and intense, but it is expected to resolve as the underlying cause heals.

In contrast, chronic pain lasts longer than three months and includes conditions where pain persists even after the injury has healed. Subacute pain sits between acute and chronic pain, generally lasting from about three weeks to three months, which distinguishes it clearly from acute pain. Persistent pain is often used interchangeably with chronic pain to describe ongoing discomfort that may not necessarily be tied to a specific injury but is still long-lasting. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper pain management and treatment strategies.