Pain Management
Pain is a general term that describes unpleasant sensations in the body. It is your body’s way of letting you know something may be wrong. Pain may be described as sharp, dull, achy, throbbing, prick, tingle, sting, or burn. Though pain can be annoying and debilitating, it helps diagnose a problem. Without pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it or not realizing that you have a medical problem needing treatment.
Types of Pain
There are several different types of pain, and it is possible to experience more than one type of pain at the same time.
Acute Pain
Acute pain usually develops suddenly, often due to injury, inflammation, disease, or medical procedure. Acute pain tends to be sharp and usually goes away after the cause has been treated, though sometimes it can turn into chronic pain.
For example, acute pain may result from:
Injuries from cuts, burns, muscle strains, or bone fractures, illness such as strep throat, food poisoning, cholecystitis, or appendicitis
Medical procedures such as injections, dental work, or surgery
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain may result from various health conditions and may last or come and go over multiple months or years. The National Health Interview Survey in 2019 found that roughly 20 percent of adults in the United States had chronic pain and more than 7 percent had chronic pain that frequently limited their daily life activities.
Nociceptive Pain
Nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage. It may result from injuries or certain health conditions that cause tissue inflammation and damage. For example, it may result from burns, bruises, arthritis, or inflammatory disease (IBD).
Type of Nociceptor Pain
Somatic Pain: Pain signal that develops in your skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, or bones
Visceral Pain: Nociceptive pain that develops in your internal organs
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain occurs due to nerve damage and may feel like a stabbing, shooting, burning, or pricking sensation. Some individuals may even develop hypersensitivity to touch, movement, or hot and cold temperatures. This type of pain may be caused by various injuries or illnesses such as disc herniation, shingles, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or cancer.
Functional Pain
Functional pain is pain that occurs without an underlying injury or illness. It tends to be chronic pain, but acute functional pain may also occur. Examples of functional pain include fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular dysfunction.
How is Pain Treated?
For minor injuries that don’t require medical attention, use the general rule RICE.
R- Rest the injured area.
I – Ice the injury area for 10 to 20 minutes to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
C- Compress the injured area to provide support (firm but not so tightly that it impedes blood flow).
E- Elevate the injured area above your heart level.
Alternative & Complementary Approaches to Pain
Acupuncture: An alternative medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. See the Acupuncture section for more information.
Massage: A manual therapy that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Massage is often used to reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, promote relaxation, and improve overall physical and mental well-being.
Meditation: A mental practice that involves focusing one’s attention on a specific object, thought, or activity to achieve a calm and relaxed state of mind. It is often used to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall well-being.
Biofeedback: The use of electronic devices to measure and monitor physiological responses in the body, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. This information is then fed back to the individual in real time, allowing them to learn how to control these bodily functions through mental and physical techniques. Biofeedback is often used as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and migraines.
Tai Chi: A traditional Chinese martial art that involves slow, gentle movements and deep breathing exercises. It is a low-impact exercise that promotes balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Tai chi is often described as a moving meditation and is used as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, and stress.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: A relaxation technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. It is a systematic approach to releasing muscle tension and reducing stress and anxiety. By focusing on different muscle groups, individuals can become more aware of physical sensations and learn to release tension and relax more deeply. It is often used as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Check out this WEBSITE for more information.
Guided Imagery: A relaxation technique that uses mental images and visualization to promote physical and emotional healing. It involves focusing the mind on positive and calming images to help reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and other health issues. The goal of guided imagery is to help individuals access their inner resources and promote relaxation and healing in both the mind and body. Check out this VIDEO for guided Imagery.