Chronic & Acute Pain Conditions

Chronic Pain Chronic pain is different from acute pain. Typically, pain that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic pain and should be evaluated by a physician. We recognize this difference, and our customized treatment plan will reflect the different approach that individuals living with chronic pain often need. Over-the-counter pain medications are often not adequate to treat chronic pain. Chronic pain is a multifaceted problem that requires input from more than one specialist. At Inova Comprehensive Pain Centers, patients have access to all the experts at Inova Health System, working together to best manage their pain. We help patients manage the following types of chronic pain conditions (among others): Arthritis Back and neck pain or injury Bursitis Cancer pain Carpal tunnel syndrome Cervical (neck) disc herniation Complex regional pain syndrome Degenerative disc disease Hip pain Knee pain Lumbar sprain or strain Muskoskeletal pain Muscle spasm Nerve impingement Neuropathy Occipital neuralgia Pinched nerve disorders Postherpetic pain Postlaminectomy pain Sacroiliac pain Sciatica Spinal stenosis Whiplash injury If you are experiencing chronic pain, ask your primary care doctor about the pain management services available at Inova Comprehensive Pain Centers. Our team helps care for people living with chronic pain. We take special care to ensure that our patients feel valued, and our team assists with navigating care throughout Inova. We will treat you with respect and compassion throughout your time with us. Understanding and dealing with pain can be complicated, but our care team will help you feel at ease, learn about your pain and achieve lasting relief. Acute Pain Acute pain, if severe enough, may benefit from pain management specialists to help facilitate recovery. Acute pain happens quickly. It can be sharp such as a broken bone, burn or cut. In contrast, chronic pain lasts longer than six months and can continue when the injury or illness is treated. Acute Pain Conditions We help patients manage the following types of acute pain conditions (among others): Arthritis Herniated disc (in cervical or lumbar spine) Lumbar strain Pain caused by nerve damage Pulled muscle and sprains (severe) Slipping and falling Spinal disc annular tears Acute Pain Symptoms The signs and symptoms of acute pain can vary widely depending on the condition and situation and can include feelings in the body of: Aching Burning Sharp pain Stabbing pain Throbbing