Acute pain refers to pain that starts suddenly as a prominent symptom of a certain illness. This type of pain is typically caused by conditions such as kidney stones blocking the urinary tract, gallstones, bowel obstruction, or severe headaches resulting from brain haemorrhage. Sudden movements can also cause acute, intense pain due to disruptions in the intervertebral discs, which protect the spinal cord, leading to conditions like slipped discs or herniated discs.

Additionally, pain that occurs after surgery (postoperative pain) can also be extremely severe.

In the treatment of this type of pain, pain-relieving medications with sedative (calming) and anxiolytic properties can be used. These medications help to relieve the patient and assist in eliminating the pain.

On the other hand, there are various types of acute pain that can be described with terms like sharp, stabbing, rapid, or electric shock-like pain. These pains generally serve as an alarm for tissue damage. This type of pain is felt when the skin is punctured by a needle, cut with a knife, or during acute burns. It is also experienced when the skin is exposed to an electric shock.

Acute pain does not typically occur in many deep tissues of the body. Generally, acute pain is caused by mechanical and thermal stimuli. It starts suddenly and resolves within a period of less than three months. People with acute pain may experience increased muscle tension, blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating. Moreover, this pain does not persist after the discomforting stimulus is removed. Pain is a biological sign.

The most important feature of acute pain is that it serves as an alarm. Especially when patients who have never experienced any complaints suddenly face pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention without delay.