KEY WORDS: Managing pain

Question 1

Analgesics

Answer 1

Pain relief medicines (referred to as painkillers)

Question 2

NSAID’s (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Answer 2

• A type of analgesics
• That relieves pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins

Question 3

Prostaglandins

Answer 3

A hormone like subtance that causes pain.

Question 4

Opioids

Answer 4

• A type of analgesics
• Works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.
• Which then release signals that reduce pain perception and increase pleasure feelings.

Question 5

Attention diversion

Answer 5

• A cognitive pain managment strategy
• Involves (finding ways) to shift attention from the pain onto something else.

Question 6

Non-pain imagery

Answer 6

• A cognitive pain managment strategy
• Involves visualising and focusing on calm/ relaxing situations.

Question 7

Cognitive redefinition

Answer 7

• A cognitive pain managment stategy
• Involves replacing negative thoughts about pain with more rational/postive thoughts

Question 8

Acupuncture

Answer 8

• An ancient Asian
• Pain management method which involves the insertion of very fine needles in specfic points of the skin.
• stimulating sensory nerves under the skin, which produces endorphins which reduces pain

Question 9

Endorphins

Answer 9

• Pain killing chemicals (produced by the body)

Question 10

What is TENS?

Answer 10

• A therapy.
• That uses (low-voltage) electrical currents to relieve pain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve simulation

Question 11

How does TENS work?

Answer 11

1. Electrodes are placed on the skin (near the painful area)
2. The electrodes send small electrical currents through the skin.
3. These currents reduce pain signals that go to the brain + spinal cord.
4. Also stimulates the endorphin production.

Question 12

How do opoid receptors work?

Answer 12

• By attaching to opioid receptors in the brain

Question 13

What happens after opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain?

Answer 13

• The receptors release signals that
• Reduce pain perception
• increase pleasure feelings.

Question 14

Acupucnture involves the inserting fine needles in specfic points of the skin. How does this reduce pain?

Answer 14

• It stimulates sensory nerves under the skin.
• Which then produces pain reducing endorphins

Question 15

The electrodes send small electrical currents through the skin. How do theese currents reduce pain>

Answer 15

• These currents reduce pain signals that go to the brain + spinal cord.
  4. AND also stimulate endorphin production.