Chapter 9 - Pain Flashcards
Chronic pain
Begins as acute pain but does not go away after 6 months (e.g. Lower back pain, headaches, arthritis pain).
Acute pain
Intense but time limited pain that is generally the result of tissue damage or disease (e.g. Broken bone, cut or bruise, childbirth). Lasts less than 6 months
Recurrent acute pain
Falls under chronic pain. Caused by benign condition and refers to pain that is sometimes intense but that also sometimes disappears (e.g. Migraines)
Intractable-benign pain
Falls under chronic pain. Pain may vary in intensity but never really disappears.
Progressive pain
Falls under chronic pain. Originates from a MALIGNANT condition, hence it is continuous and worsens over time (e.g. Pain from arthritis or cancer)
Specificity theory
There are specific receptors for different types of sensations, such as pain, warmth, touch, and pressure. After a person experiences an injury, a direct chain carries the message of pain to the brain, setting off an alarm (pain). Presented by Descartes.
Pattern theory
Pain results from the type of stimulation from the nerve endings – determination of pain is based on intensity of stimulation (warm heating pad vs hot stove)
Gate control theory
When body tissue is injured, nerve endings send signals to substantia gelatinosa. If strong, reaches brain (somatosensory cortex). If weak, no transmission. If stimulate site (rub leg cramp, ice sprain, scratch itch, electricity) – no transmission. If relaxed/not scared, brain closes gate (e.g athlete playing with dislocated shoulder)
Neurotransmitters in pain
Can increase or decrease amount of pain experienced
Stress influence on pain
Family problems, financial concerns, work pressures increase experience and magnitude of pain. Pain and stress lead to negative affect which leads to more pain. Positive affect diminishes the prevalence of pain turning into negative affect which in turn prevents more pain
Learning and pain
Learn to display more illness related behaviors if children of chronic pain sufferers. Learn to express pain as a way of receiving gain (e.g. Sick to stay home from school). Learn to avoid certain activities in order to avoid pain (e.g. Scared of going to dentist)
Catastrophizing
To think negative thoughts and feel anxious regarding pain – leads to experiencing more pain
Analgesics
Aspirin, acetaminophen – reduce inflammation at site, interfere with transmission of pain signals
Local anesthetics
Novacaine – works by blocking nerve cells from generating impulses in that specific area
Narcotics
OxyContin, morphine
Physical therapy
Stretch, strengthen – hard to commit to
Physical stimulation
Stimulate tissue to reduce pain (e.g. Acupuncture, massage
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS
Involves placing electrodes on skin and administering continuous electrical stimulation – leads to feeling of numbness in area
Hypnosis
Altered state of consciousness or trance state that individuals can experience under the guidance of a trained therapist. Less pain during labor, shorter labor
Biofeedback
People are trained using electronic monitors to monitor selected physiological functions (eg heart rate). Over time patients can learn to change their physiological responses by changing their thoughts or behavior.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Patients focus on tensing and the releasing each part of their body one at a time
Systematic desensitization
Asked to describe the specific source of anxiety and then Create a hierarchy of different stimuli associated with that anxiety
Guided imagery
Pairs deep muscle relaxation with a specific pleasant image that serves to focus a patient’s mind on something other than pain
Meditation
Patients relax bodies and focus attention on single thought sometimes while verbalizing a single word or thought
Distraction
Reading book, watching tv, etc, can help distract chronic pain sufferers from their pain
Cognitive redefinition
Helping people understand how their thoughts and feelings influence the experience of pain as well as change their reactions to and perceptions of pain. Helping people think about pain in new ways (e.g. Think of pain of labor as baby pushing its way into the world)
Operant conditioning for pain reduction
Focuses on eliminating the “perks” of pain by reinforcing positive behaviors (e.g. Increased activity) and ignoring negative behaviors (e.g. Complaints of pain)
