L3: Basic Concepts of Pain Flashcards
What is pain considered as?
Pain is a complex phenomenon and a perception, meaning it does not exist in the body but is perceived by the individual.
What is nociception?
Nociception is the sensory nervous system’s way of processing danger or noxious stimuli, triggering physiological and behavioral responses to protect the organism from pain perception.
What is the role of nociceptors in nociception?
Nociceptors are sensory nerves that send danger signals from the body to the spinal cord and brain when stimulated.
Why is understanding pain important in physiotherapy?
Understanding pain physiology and modulation helps in planning exercise and physical activities to reduce nociception and pain experience in patients.
What are the two key areas of the nociceptive system to understand?
he two key areas are peripheral sensitization and the Aβ system (pain gate).
What happens during peripheral sensitization?
Peripheral sensitization occurs when tissue damage leads to inflammation, lowering the firing threshold of nociceptors, resulting in heightened sensitivity (hyperalgesia).
What is the Pain Gate Theory?
The Pain Gate Theory suggests that the spinal cord contains a neurological gate that either blocks pain signals or allows them to reach the brain, depending on whether the gate is open or closed.
How can the Aβ fibers influence the pain gate?
Stimulation of Aβ fibers can close the pain gate by inhibiting nociceptor signals from reaching the brain.
What is the difference between Type Aδ and Type C fibers in pain perception?
Type Aδ fibers are myelinated and provide quick pain signals, while Type C fibers are unmyelinated and produce a slow, dull pain response.
What is central sensitization?
Central sensitization is the enhancement of CNS neuron function involved in nociception, leading to increased sensitivity and amplified pain signals.
How can exercise potentially reduce pain?
Exercise can reduce pain through mechanisms like activating the Pain Gate, decreasing peripheral sensitization, and releasing endorphins.
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute pain is short-term, usually related to tissue damage, while chronic pain lasts longer than three months and may involve altered pain signals.
What are the potential benefits of exercise for patients with chronic pain?
Exercise can improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and moderate pain through mechanisms like endorphin release and improved nerve function.
Why is pain management challenging?
Pain management is challenging due to the individual nature of pain experience and the complex biopsychosocial factors influencing pain perception.
What role does inflammation play in peripheral sensitization?
Inflammation makes nociceptors more easily activated, contributing to primary and secondary hyperalgesia, where tissues become more sensitive to pain.
