Pain Awareness

Pain is a signal in your nervous system that something may be wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen, chest, pelvis, or you may feel pain all over. Pain can be helpful in diagnosing a problem. If you never felt pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment.

There are five common types of pain

Acute pain

Acute pain means the pain is short in duration (relatively speaking), lasting from minutes to about three months (sometimes up to six months). Acute pain also tends to be related to a soft-tissue injury or a temporary illness, so it typically subsides after the injury heals or the illness subsides. Acute pain from an injury may evolve into chronic pain if the injury doesn’t heal correctly or if the pain signals malfunction.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain is longer in duration. It can be constant or intermittent. For example, headaches can be considered chronic pain when they continue over many months or years – even if the pain isn’t always present. Chronic pain is often due to a health condition, like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or a spine condition.

Neuropathic pain

It is as a result of damage to the nerves or other parts of the nervous system. It is frequently described as shooting, stabbing, or burning pain, or as pins and needles. It can also impair touch sensitivity and make it difficult to feel hot or cold sensations. Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that is quite common. It can be intermittent (meaning it comes and goes) or severe enough to make performing daily tasks difficult. Because pain can impair normal movement, it can also lead to mobility problems.

Nociceptive pain

Nociceptive pain is a type of pain caused by tissue damage. People frequently describe it as a sharp, achy, or throbbing pain. It is frequently caused by an external injury. You may experience nociceptive pain if you hit your elbow, stub your toe, twist your ankle, or fall and scrape up your knee. This kind of pain is commonly felt in the joints, muscles, skin, tendons, and bones. It can be acute or chronic.

Radicular pain

Radicular pain is a type of pain that occurs when the spinal nerve becomes compressed or inflamed. It travels through the spine and spinal nerve root from the back and hip to the leg(s). Radicular pain patients may experience tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Radiculopathy refers to pain that radiates from the back and into the leg. The pain is commonly referred to as sciatica because it is caused by an injury to the sciatic nerve. This type of pain is frequently steady and can be felt deep in the leg. Walking, sitting, and other activities can aggravate sciatica. One of the most common types of radicular pain is sciatica.

Complications of Uncontrolled, Persistent Pain

The underlying disease, problem, or condition determines the complications connected with pain. Pain from a degenerative condition like multiple sclerosis, for example, might lead to inactivity and the consequences that come with it. Physical therapy, basic self-help techniques, and according to your doctor's treatment plan can typically ease or minimize discomfort.

However, in rare situations, the severity and duration of your discomfort may become unbearable and interfere with your daily activities. Research into the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain is still ongoing, so check with your doctor for the most up-to-date information.

Persistent, unremitting pain may adversely affect the body’s endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, neurologic and musculo-skeletal systems and require aggressive treatment of the pain as well as the resulting complications. Many recent and emerging studies clearly document that persistent pain exerts profound impacts on the body’s endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, neurologic and musculo-skeletal systems.

Over time, pain can lead to complications including:

• Absenteeism from work or school

• Dependence on prescription pain medication

• Pain that does not respond to treatment (intractable pain)

• Permanent nerve damage (due to a pinched nerve) including paralysis

• Physiological and psychological response to chronic pain

• Poor quality of life

Five common myths about pain

Pain Relief Myth 1: No Pain, No Gain.

This myth persists among bodybuilders and weekend athletes. Yet there is no evidence to support the notion that you can build strength by exerting muscles to the point of pain. A related belief, "Work through the pain," is also mistaken. Resting to repair muscles and bring pain relief might not be macho, but it's a smart thing to do. You may also need to modify your exercise routine with cross training; lighter, more frequent workouts; and proper shoes.

Pain Relief Myth 2: It's All In My Head.

Pain is a complex problem, involving both the mind and the body. For instance, back pain has no known cause in most cases, and stressful life events can make it worse. But that doesn't mean it isn't real. Pain is an invisible problem that others can't see, but that doesn't mean it's all in your head.

Pain Relief Myth 3: Only the aged Go to the Doctor for Pain Relief.

Older adults are more prone than their kids or grandkids to "grin and bear it." Enduring the occasional headache or minor sports injury is one thing. But putting up with chronic pain can impair functioning and quality of life. It can lead to depression, fatigue from loss of sleep, anxiety, inability to work, and impaired relationships.

Pain Relief Myth 4: I Just Have to Live with the Pain.

There are countless options for pain relief. They include relaxation techniques, exercises, physical therapy, over-the-counter and prescription medications, surgery, injections (into muscle, joints or your back), and complementary treatments such as massage. It may not always be possible to completely get rid of your pain, but you can use many techniques to help manage it much better.

Pain Relief Myth 5: Pain Medication Will Fix the Problem

Health care providers begin with a conservative approach to pain relief and prescribe non-narcotic pain-relief medications, which are not addictive. Doctors may prescribe narcotics, such as codeine and morphine, if pain becomes severe, such as when treating cancer pain. Many people fear that they will become addicted to narcotics. Physical dependence is not the same thing as addiction. And, physical dependence isn't a problem as long as you do not stop taking the narcotics suddenly. Addiction to narcotics is not usually a problem, unless you have a history of recreational drug or alcohol addiction. If you do, discuss this with your health care provider before starting any pain medicine.

How can physical therapy help me with chronic pain?

Pain science education is used by physical therapists to teach people with pain – especially those with chronic pain – self-empowerment that helps them manage their own symptoms. It focuses on the components of each individual’s pain experience and how it effects their daily lives.

In many cases of chronic pain, symptoms are produced due to the sensitivity of a person’s nervous system and how the brain processes that information, rather than by the tissue damage associated with pain. You can think of your nervous system like an alarm. When the alarm goes off, your brain sends a signal for pain in the body. When you have an injury, your nerves increase their sensitivity to protect you.

A physical therapist will perform an evaluation to assess how your body is moving and what may be contributing to your pain. When working with a physical therapist, it is important to address what in your everyday life triggers your pain or symptoms. Your physical therapist will create an individualized plan to help you with different areas of your day-to-day activities which pain interferes with. Physical therapists will prescribe exercises for your strength and flexibility and can suggest modifications to your activities of daily living.

Lifestyle & Management of pain

The importance of maintaining an engaged and active lifestyle cannot be overemphasized. To the extent possible, you should participate in physical activities or exercise programs, and keep up social activities and family engagements. This approach will reduce your risk of depression and isolation.

Diet and Exercise

It's important to stay well-nourished and active, even if you are in pain. Having a good diet will help improve the way your medications work, help reduce side effects, and help you maintain the energy you need to carry out your daily activities An exercise program that involves joining a group or a gym can also help reduce the risk of social isolation. Exercise programs like yoga will also keep your muscles toned, improve balance, and reduce your risk of falling.

Taking an Active Role in Your Treatment

Only you know what your experience of pain is. For this reason, it is important that you take control of your situation. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are still in a lot of pain even when you are following their instructions. A simple dosage change, trying a different treatment option, or using a different combination of treatments is part of the process of finding what works for you. There is no reason to suffer in silence when effective pain relief is available. Only you know what your experience of pain is. For this reason, it is important that you take control of your situation. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are still in a lot of pain even when you are following their instructions. A simple dosage change, trying a different treatment option, or using a different combination of treatments is part of the process of finding what works for you. There is no reason to suffer in silence when effective pain relief is available.

Home remedies for pain

There are several kinds of home remedies to help relieve pain including:

• Applying heat or cold therapy

• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

• Living a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy weight, and being as active as possible

• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and guided imagery

• Using correct body mechanics and posture