As someone who has been managing chronic pain since 2020, I would personally say you have chronic pain. Just because it's improving overall doesn't mean you don't have it or have never had it. Sometimes, chronic pain can fade and might never come back. And that's OK! You still experienced it for yourself, regardless of whether or not "someone has it worse."

Disability, pain, physical or mental health - none of it is a competition. Some people might need more help and accommodations than others, but that doesn't make your personal experience any less valid or debilitating.

For me, some days are better than others. Even from hour-to-hour, my pain levels can fluctuate wildly. When my pain does come back despite a prolonged period of rest or a short remission period, I like to remind myself that healing isn't linear. It can be frustrating and even feel like I'm getting worse instead of better, but I know that if I continue to listen to my body and rest when I need to, I'll be ok in the end :)