Pain is a very common condition, but not many people know there are different types of pain.
Pain can be in one part of your body or widespread; despite being unpleasant, there are ways to soothe it.
Three types of pain
The pain you feel in your body might vary from a dull ache to a sharp pain, and there are generally three types of pain.
Acute pain
Acute pain is a normal response in your body to an injury or medical condition. This type of pain is short-lived and can start suddenly1.
Chronic or persistent pain
This type of pain is pain that continues beyond the expected time for healing and lasts longer than three months1.
Episodic pain
This type of pain pain is pain that can happen at irregular intervals and can include conditions such as painful periods or chronic migraines2.
Pain and how it impacts your body
No two people feel pain the same way, even though their reason for pain might be similar.
The types of pain can also impact your body differently.
Pain is an essential part of evolution that protects your body from danger and harm.
For example, acute pain is usually sharp and can be caused by strained muscles, broken bones, surgery, infections, or burns. It may start suddenly but will end when the cause of the pain is treated or healed2.
Acute pain can develop into a chronic pain condition if it’s not treated or is treated improperly.
Episodic pain can be similar to acute, as it will come on suddenly but may linger until the cause is treated (for example, when your period is over).
Chronic pain can make it hard to take care of yourself or do the things you enjoy. It can be caused by a bone, muscle, joint condition, arthritis, or nerve pain.
This pain is consistent and experienced on most days and ranges from mild to severe.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, please speak to your doctor or healthcare professional for a treatment plan.
Treating different pain types
Chronic pain, for many people, cannot be cured, so a management plan needs to be created so you can prevent pain from interfering with your daily life.
Some treatments include daily stretching, medicine, physical activity and seeing a psychologist.
Acute and episodic pain can be treated with hot or cold packs (depending on the injury), massaging and taking pain medicine.
Some pain medicines, like Panadol Optizorb Paracetamol 500mg, can help relieve your pain fast while still being gentle on your stomach.
Panadol with Optizorb Caplets provides temporary and effective relief of pain and discomfort associated with a range of acute pain types, including:
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Toothache
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Cold and flu symptoms
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Migraines/headaches
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Muscular aches
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Backaches
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Period pain
It also lasts for up to six hours and is suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
A final word
While pain is felt differently by everyone, there are ways to relieve the pain you are feeling.
The team at your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacy can help find solutions that work for you, whether it’s hot and cold packs, pain medicine or more.
This is a sponsored article in partnership with Panadol. You can find more of their products here.
Always read and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use may be harmful. Keep out of reach of children.
References
1Better Health Victoria, Pain and Pain Management for Adults, accessed 4 April 2025
2National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Pain, accessed 4 April 2025