introduction to facial pain

Question 1

what is pain?

Answer 1

> An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage

Question 2

what are common examples of theories of pain?

Answer 2

> gate control theory

> neuromatrix theory

Question 3

what is the biobehavioural model?

Answer 3

> Recognises that non physical factors interact with physiological disturbance and are thus important
- Past history of ill health
- Trauma/life events
- Emotional state
- Health beliefs – e.g. pain catastrophizing
- Coping skills/resilience

> Provides a broader understanding of presenting complaints and this identifies more avenues for management

Question 4

what behaviours may prolong physical dysfunction?

Answer 4

> Distorted thought processes – this is never going to get better/I have no control/I can’t cope

> Emotional disturbance – feeling distressed, anxious, low mood, hypervigilance

> Learned behaviours – avoidance of movement (kinesiophobia), avoidance of daily activitie