9. Pain Flashcards
What are the factors that distinguish acute from chronic pain?
Acute is less than 3 months, on-going tissue damage, short term medication, rest is useful. Chronic is the opposite of all these.
How is pain experienced?
Through complex pathways between the brain and damage/disease source via nerve fibres.
What affects the level of pain experienced?
How many gates are open or closed, this affects the number of pain messages that are received.
What can open gates in neural messaging to signal pain?
injury, over/under activity, sensitivity of the nervous system, stress and tension, focusing on pain (expectation), negative beliefs, minimal involvement in life, psychological factors like depression or anxiety.
What can close gates in neural messaging to signal pain?
Medication, counter-stimulation, exercise, relaxation, distraction, positive emotions, positive beliefs, and active life.