Types of Pain

Medically, pain is categorized based on its type, location, cause, and duration. From a general perspective, it is especially important to distinguish between acute and chronic pain.

Acute Pain
Acute pain typically has a clear trigger or identifiable cause that should be treated directly. It plays a vital role in the body’s defense system, serving as a warning signal for potential harm or injury.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is often the result of changes in the nervous system – a process known as neuromodulation. In many cases, there is no single underlying cause; instead, the pain itself becomes the condition.
This is why early treatment using image-guided interventional techniques is so critical: persistent pain lasting for months can activate the so-called “pain memory,” turning acute pain into a chronic condition. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain no longer serves a protective function. It becomes “meaningless” in a biological sense and often leads to significant impairments in daily life – including social isolation and depression.