- Causes and side effects of acute pain

•	In-Depth Reports Home
•	Back to Article

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Causes and side effects of acute pain

Acute pain, which has a short, relatively severe course, is the most common reason that people seek medical care. It can arise from musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, cuts, burns, fractures, sprains, trauma, childbirth, surgery, medical procedures, or acute disease states.

Acute pain is a complex response to tissue trauma that serves as a warning against further injury. It is frequently accompanied by anxiety and by autonomic nervous system responses, such as the withdrawal reflex. Sympathetic nervous system responses are also activated including dilated pupils, increased heart rate, increased respiration, and increased blood pressure.

Acute pain normally resolves when the underlying tissue injury heals, but it can progress to chronic pain if it is not resolved quickly. The sympathetic nervous system stress hormone response caused by acute pain can have adverse effects that may induce development of chronic pain.

Review Date: 7/5/2013
Reviewed By:

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.