Objective: To study the factors that influence the perception of acute pain and the consequences of this experience in patients suffering from mild trauma.
Method: Descriptive qualitative study conducted in an emergency service in southern Brazil. Data was collected in October 2013, through semi-structured interviews with 29 individuals who reported pain after physical trauma, regardless of the triggering factor. To process the data, we used a Content Analysis technique, subject modality.
Results: Two categories emerged: Factors that influence the perception of pain resulting from trauma and, Consequences of acute pain due to trauma. The acute pain sensation was influenced by biological, emotional, spiritual and socio-cultural factors and induced biological and emotional consequences for individuals.
Conclusion: The health professionals need to consider the factors that influence soreness and its consequences for the proper assessment and management of pain resulting from trauma.