Chapter 9 - Pain

Question 0

Chronic pain

Answer 0

Begins as acute pain but does not go away after 6 months (e.g. Lower back pain, headaches, arthritis pain).

Question 1

Acute pain

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Recurrent acute pain

Answer 2

Falls under chronic pain. Caused by benign condition and refers to pain that is sometimes intense but that also sometimes disappears (e.g. Migraines)

Question 3

Intractable-benign pain

Answer 3

Falls under chronic pain. Pain may vary in intensity but never really disappears.

Question 4

Progressive pain

Answer 4

Falls under chronic pain. Originates from a MALIGNANT condition, hence it is continuous and worsens over time (e.g. Pain from arthritis or cancer)

Question 5

Specificity theory

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Pattern theory

Answer 6

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)

Question 7

Gate control theory

Answer 7

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)

Question 8

Neurotransmitters in pain

Answer 8

Can increase or decrease amount of pain experienced

Question 9

Stress influence on pain

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Learning and pain

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

Catastrophizing

Answer 11

To think negative thoughts and feel anxious regarding pain – leads to experiencing more pain

Question 12

Analgesics

Answer 12

Aspirin, acetaminophen – reduce inflammation at site, interfere with transmission of pain signals

Question 13

Local anesthetics

Answer 13

Novacaine – works by blocking nerve cells from generating impulses in that specific area

Question 14

Narcotics

Answer 14

OxyContin, morphine

Question 15

Physical therapy

Answer 15

Stretch, strengthen – hard to commit to

Question 16

Physical stimulation

Answer 16

Stimulate tissue to reduce pain (e.g. Acupuncture, massage

Question 17

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS

Answer 17

Involves placing electrodes on skin and administering continuous electrical stimulation – leads to feeling of numbness in area

Question 18

Hypnosis

Answer 18

Altered state of consciousness or trance state that individuals can experience under the guidance of a trained therapist. Less pain during labor, shorter labor

Question 19

Biofeedback

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Progressive muscle relaxation

Answer 20

Patients focus on tensing and the releasing each part of their body one at a time

Question 21

Systematic desensitization

Answer 21

Asked to describe the specific source of anxiety and then Create a hierarchy of different stimuli associated with that anxiety

Question 22

Guided imagery

Answer 22

Pairs deep muscle relaxation with a specific pleasant image that serves to focus a patient’s mind on something other than pain

Question 23

Meditation

Answer 23

Patients relax bodies and focus attention on single thought sometimes while verbalizing a single word or thought

Question 24

Distraction

Answer 24

Reading book, watching tv, etc, can help distract chronic pain sufferers from their pain

Question 25

Cognitive redefinition

Answer 25

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)

Question 26

Operant conditioning for pain reduction

Answer 26

Focuses on eliminating the “perks” of pain by reinforcing positive behaviors (e.g. Increased activity) and ignoring negative behaviors (e.g. Complaints of pain)