Clinical Aspects of Pain Flashcards
How is pain described in terms of its nature and perception?
Pain is normal, personal, and always real. It is a response to a situation judged by the brain to be threatening and usually prompts a change in behavior. Only the individual can determine if they are in pain.
What is the purpose of pain according to clinical implications?
Pain serves as a usually useful but unpleasant response to prompt a change in behavior when the brain perceives a threat.
How does learning about pain benefit individuals and society?
Learning about pain is therapeutic. Understanding why one hurts can reduce pain, and knowledge about pain can be liberating for individuals and beneficial for society.
Why is knowledge about pain considered a powerful tool?
Knowledge is the greatest pain liberator, as understanding the cause of pain can significantly reduce it and help individuals feel less isolated in their experience.
How should practitioners approach explaining pain to patients?
Practitioners should convey complex bodily dysfunctions in simple, digestible terms to improve patient understanding. Clear explanations lead to better outcomes, as unexplained pain is the hardest to bear.
Why is unexplained pain considered particularly difficult for patients?
Unexplained pain is especially challenging because not understanding the cause can increase distress and negatively impact recovery outcomes.
Why might you have chronic low back pain from a past minor injury?
After an injury, your body becomes extra alert to that area, turning up the “alarm system” in your low back to stay aware of any issues there.
Can pain continue even after tissue has healed?
Yes, your body can keep the “alarm” turned up if the brain is still cautious about that area.
How can tight muscles cause chronic headaches?
Tight neck and shoulder muscles, like those attached to your skull, can refer pain and cause headaches.
What is the pain gate theory?
The body has ways to block pain signals. For example, touching a painful spot can release hormones that help “close the gate” on pain signals going to the brain.
What is happening with an L4/L5 disc herniation?
The spine has discs like jelly donuts between the bones. With a disc herniation, some “jelly” can press out, causing pain.
Does the amount of pain always relate to the extent of an injury?
No, pain can be intense without injury, and severe injuries can sometimes be pain-free. Understanding this can help manage pain.
Are there pain sensors in the body?
No, our bodies have danger sensors, not pain sensors. Pain is produced by the brain and considers more than just signals from danger sensors.
How is pain influenced by context?
Pain is affected by what we see, hear, smell, touch, think, believe, and by people and places around us. It’s a complex, conscious experience.
What can reduce the brain’s production of pain?
Credible evidence of safety can turn pain down. Both danger and safety cues, even subtle ones, influence pain.
What are some protective outputs the body uses?
Besides pain, our body uses responses like immune reactions, movement, breathing, and feelings such as stiffness, fear, and fatigue to protect us.