Week 8: Pain

Question 1

Define the Subtantia Gelotinosa (SG)

Answer 1

The Subtantia Gelotinosa (SG) of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord contains a mechanism that controls the ‘gateway’ to pain experience.

Question 2

Define the Bio Psychosocial Model of Pain

Answer 2

Pain is not simply a neurophysiological phenomenon, but also involves social and psychological factors.

• Factors like: Culture, family, nociceptive stimuli and environment influence pain perception, and thus ultimately affect a persons emotions, behaviours and cognition.

Question 3

Name and describe three Psychological Dimensions of Pain

Answer 3

1. Sensory (Discriminative): Location and quality of pain.
2. Cognitive (Evaluative): Individuals ability to perceive and evaluate pain based on previous experience and knowledge about pain.
3. Emotional (Affective): Emotional response based on past experience and expression.

Question 4

Define Acute Pain Management

Answer 4

If pain lasts less than 3-6 months.

Question 5

Name the top three health risk behaviours

Answer 5

1. 82%: Tobacco.
2. 13%: Alcohol.
3. 4%: Illicit Drugs.

Question 6

Define the Gate Control Theory of Pain

Answer 6

It explains the neurological mechanisms of pain and links the biology to the psychology of the process.

• Pain stimulation is carried by the small, slow fibres that enter the dorsal horn of the spinal cord; then other cells transmit the impulses from the spinal cord to the brain.
• Developed in 1956 by Ronald Melzack and David Wall.