Acute Pain

Acute pain occurs suddenly and typically resolves once the underlying cause is treated. It can result from injuries, surgeries, or temporary medical conditions. While acute pain is often short-lived, proper management is essential to prevent it from becoming chronic.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts for more than six months and may persist even after the initial injury or medical condition has healed. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is not just a symptom but can become a disease in itself. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making daily activities difficult. Chronic pain is generally classified into two categories: neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage and is often described as:

• Burning or shooting pain
• Sharp, sudden, electric shock-like sensations
• Pain that occurs intermittently or constantly
• Sensitivity to touch, even from normally non-painful stimuli (e.g., light brushing of the skin)

Neuropathic pain results from dysfunction in the peripheral or central nervous systems, leading to heightened sensitivity. Topical compounded pain therapies available at Mixtures Pharmacy can help reduce nerve pain without the side effects commonly associated with oral medications.

Inflammatory Pain

Inflammatory nociceptive pain occurs due to tissue damage and the body’s natural inflammatory response. The classic signs of inflammation, first documented by Celcius in A.D. 25, still apply today:

• Redness (Rubor)
• Swelling (Tumor)
• Heat (Calor) (applicable to the extremities)
• Pain (Dolor)
• Loss of function (Functio laesa)

Inflammatory pain serves a healing function by triggering protective physiological responses. However, when pain becomes chronic, it can hinder mobility and quality of life. Our topical pain management formulations can help control inflammation at the source, providing relief without the risks of long-term systemic medication use.