Theory of Pain -- about Pain
When a person feels the sensation of hurt, discomfort, or agony it can be described as pain. Pain comes from the old French word, peine. There are different levels of pain, from constant to throbbing or pulsating pain. The pain can have a stabbing sensation or a pinching one. Each person’s definition of pain is very personal. Individuals feel pain differently; some have a high level of tolerance to pain, while others cannot bear even minor pain. It is an individual experience.
People who suffer from pain often get nauseous, dizzy, weak, or drowsy. Pain can cause diarrhea or constipation. Many people perspire when they feel pain. Pain can also affect the mood of a person experiencing it. They may cry, get angry or irritable, and some people that are suffering from constant, chronic pain may have suicidal thoughts and feelings.
The two types of pain that are most common are acute or chronic.
Acute Pain
If a pain in any area lasts less than three months or is caused by tissue damage it is classified as acute pain. Acute pain can be intense, but it usually will go away. If an injury is the cause of acute pain, the pain will stop when the injury has healed.
Chronic Pain
If the pain lasts longer than three months it is classified as chronic pain. Chronic pain can be intense or mild. It is harder to find the cause of chronic pain than it is for acute pain. According to the National Gerontological Nursing Association it is estimated that of the adult population in the United States, 9 percent suffer from non-cancer related chronic pain. Older adults in long term care settings suffer from chronic pain at a rate of 85 percent.
There are some conditions that typically result in chronic pain. They are disorders such as osteoarthritis, migraine headaches, Herpes zoster (shingles), angina pectoris, post-mastectomy pain, cancer pain, back or shoulder and neck pain, and phantom limb pain. People with these conditions suffer pain constantly.
Visceral Pain
Pain that is felt internally and in the body cavities is called visceral pain. The body cavities are the thorax which includes the lungs and heart, the abdomen which includes the liver, kidneys, bowels and spleen, or the pelvis which is the womb, ovaries or bladder. Some people describe visceral pain as a deep ache that is hard to localize. People with back pain are often said to have a visceral pain, especially when the pain is in the lower back.
Neuropathic Pain
Pain that is in the nervous system, or nerve pain, is called neuropathic pain. It is commonly described as a pinched nerve. It can originate in the nerves between the spinal cord and the brain, or central nervous system. Strokes can cause neuropathic pain, as can multiple sclerosis. If the pain is trapped it means that there is pressure on the nerve. A slipped disc can also cause nerve pain and so can shingles.
Nerve pain can result in numbness, a tingling sensation, the sensation of pins and needles, and an extreme sensitivity to temperature or touch. Nerve pain can be very unpredictable.
Dealing with Pain
Because different types of pain can cause different reactions in people, the first step in learning how to manage the pain is to talk to the primary care physician or specialist treating the pain. Describing the pain can sometimes be difficult, but try to be as specific as possible letting the physician know the level, location, and severity of the pain. Be prepared to rate the level of pain and the ability to tolerate the pain when meeting with the physician.
The physician will be able to prescribe the right medication in the right dosage to treat the pain. The medication strength may have to be adjusted in the beginning in order to ensure freedom from pain. The physician may prescribe Tramadol, which is an effective pain reliever for chronic pain.