Acute vs. Chronic Back Pain: What’s the Difference and How Is It Treated?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, but not all back pain is the same. Understanding whether your pain is acute or chronic is the first step in finding the right treatment. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), our team of spine specialists – Dr. Ernest Braxton, Dr. Matthew Gnirke, and Dr. Scott Raub – work together to provide patients with both surgical and non-surgical options for back pain relief. If you’ve been searching for a spine specialist near me, our experts are here to help.

What Is Acute Back Pain?

Acute back pain is sudden in onset and typically lasts less than six weeks. It often comes from a specific injury, such as lifting something heavy, falling, or twisting awkwardly. Symptoms may range from sharp, stabbing pain to stiffness that makes it difficult to move comfortably.

Most cases of acute back pain improve with time and conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications. Dr. Matthew Gnirke and Dr. Scott Raub, both non-surgical specialists at VSON, often recommend guided therapy and targeted exercises to help patients regain movement and prevent the pain from becoming chronic.

What Is Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months and may be less intense day-to-day, but more disruptive in the long run. It can stem from underlying conditions such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or nerve compression.

Because chronic pain is complex, treatment often requires a multi-faceted approach. Non-surgical care – including injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments – is often the first line of defense. However, when pain continues to interfere with daily life despite conservative measures, surgical options may be considered.

Treatment at VSON

At VSON, our collaborative model ensures patients have access to the full spectrum of spine care. Dr. Gnirke and Dr. Raub focus on diagnosing and treating back pain without surgery, while Dr. Braxton offers advanced surgical options when needed.

This means that whether you need hands-on physical therapy, pain-relieving injections, or minimally invasive spine surgery, your treatment plan is tailored to your condition and lifestyle goals. Patients benefit from a team-based approach that prioritizes the least invasive treatments first, escalating to surgery only when absolutely necessary.

Getting Back to Life

Whether you’re dealing with the sudden discomfort of acute back pain or the ongoing challenge of chronic symptoms, the specialists at VSON are here to help. With expertise in both surgical and non-surgical spine care, Dr. Braxton, Dr. Gnirke, and Dr. Raub provide comprehensive solutions designed to get you moving again and back to the activities you love. So the next time you’re searching for a spine specialist near me, know that VSON has the expert team ready to support your recovery. Contact our team today!