What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
The terms “acute” and “chronic” describe the duration and not the intensity of pain. Acute pain is only present for a short period of time (hours to days) whereas chronic pain is present for a longer period (days to years).
Although acute pain is unpleasant, it has evolved for a reason. For example, if a horse touches something harmful, pain receptors (nociceptors) will be triggered, initiating a reflex to withdraw from the source of pain.
Chronic pain is of no apparent benefit to any species. It is debilitating and may cause major changes in behavior. For instance, the memory of pain may even prevent the horse from performing normally, despite being physically sound again.
Although acute pain is unpleasant, it has evolved for a reason. Chronic pain is of no apparent benefit to any species.
