It Isn’t Acute To Be In Pain, Get Help
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | February 8, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Acute pain is often sudden sharp pain that occurs. It’s the type of pain that will stop you in your tracks. Oftentimes, acute pain can lead to chronic pain if it is not treated and managed properly. Therefore, if you experience acute pain or an acute injury, follow the steps below for relief
4 Steps to Acute Pain Relief
Step #1: Stop
Whatever you are doing when the acute pain occurs, stop. There are people who have been taught and trained to move through pain, even when it hurts, such as athletes. However, if you continue to perform an activity such as lifting, you risk further damage to the tissues.
Step #2: Rest
Resting is essential in the first stages of an injury, especially a soft tissue injury such as a muscle strain, ligament sprain, or inflammatory condition (e.g. tendonitis and bursitis). Resting from the activity will allow your body to rest and avoid placing additional stress on the injured areas. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to rest longer, especially if there is visible swelling and/or bruising and; a limited range of motion of tej joint(s) involved. Generally, resting for about 3-5 days may be sufficient; in addition, avoiding any activity that may exacerbate your symptoms is a good idea.
Step #3: Get Help
If you have rested for 5 days, but continue to experience pain, get help. If you have a limited range of motion and continued swelling, get help. If you notice that your muscles feel weak or fatigued; and/or you get tired quickly get help. If your symptoms have become worse or are not improving, get help. My rule is, after 5 days and you have not improved, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further evaluation of your injury.
Step #4: Return to Activity
Resting is good, but too much rest isn’t. Gradually return to activity or play to avoid re-injury, especially if you have been inactive for at least 10 days. Move at a pace that is comfortable for you, and always listen to your body. Go slow at first, and you can gradually increase the level of intensity over time, as you progress.
Chiropractic Help for Acute Injuries and Acute Pain
Chiropractors specialize in providing pain relief for soft tissue injuries. Click on the health conditions below to learn how chiropractic care can help you.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler
