Understanding Pain

Question 1

what percentage of adults are in pain most days?

Answer 1

21%

Question 2

Construct of Pain

Answer 2

1) Physiological - Nocioception (detection of environment through pain receptors)
2) Sensory – Quality, Intensity
3) Affective - Unpleasantness
4) Cognitive – Expectations, Mental models
5) Behavioural – Vocalising, Posture

Question 3

Pain assessment

Answer 3

Rating scales- 0 to 10
McGill Pain questionnaire – more complex
Faces Pain scale – paediatrics assessment

Question 4

Melzack & Wall

Gate Control Theory

Answer 4

Gate open - Pain
Gate closed - Pain reduces
Pain is a perception of an active individual, has multiple causes and experience varies per individual
However, No physical evidence of gate through neurotransmitters

Question 5

Phantom Limb Pain

Answer 5

Pain in over 80%,
changes in pain linked to changes in mood
Moseley – Virtual walking therapy addresses a motor output and sensory feedback mismatch

Question 6

Coping with acute pain

Answer 6

Relative anaesthesia (N2O and valium)
Preparation - information, relaxation techniques, expectations
Cognitive Behavioural therapy

Question 7

Chronic Pain

Answer 7

Threatens Identity, viscous cycle
Multidisciplinary clinics:
Practical advice, Physiotherapy, Psychological interventions
Less reliance on medical controls
Social & Family Support