What Is Pain?
The First Step Towards Getting Out Of Pain Is Understanding It
Pain is a complex concept that can have a huge impact on a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being. It is not simply a physical feeling, but an overlap between biological, psychological, and social factors.
In this blog, we will explore how pain is a mind and body experience and discuss why relying solely on medication and other pain management strategies may not be enough to address persistent pain.
First off, what is pain? Pain is defined as a perceived threat with or WITHOUT the presence of injury and is meant to protect us from further hurt. In other words, pain tells your body to stop doing what it’s doing or something bad might happen. (Dr. Lorimere Mosely and his group at the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute wrote a very informative book called Explain Pain if you would like to learn more about the physiology of pain.)
This concept of pain as a perceived threat helps us understand why some individuals have pain without an obvious injury or continue to have pain for months or years. While pulling a muscle or ligament causes pain, how you experience your pain depends upon a variety of factors. These may include stress, trauma, education, and culture.
The first way to look at pain is through the biomechanical framework. This framework views pain solely as a result of physical injury or dysfunction in the body. As a result, the specific cause of pain, such as a herniated disc or torn ligament is identified, and it is treated with interventions such as surgery, physical therapy, or medications.
While the biomechanical framework can provide targeted treatments, it has its limitations. Yes, medication and other pain management strategies such as injections and surgeries can be helpful in managing pain (most commonly prescribed), they are often used as band aids that only address the physical symptoms of pain without addressing the underlying, root causes of pain. This can lead to a cycle of dependence on medication, addiction, and other risks and complications that potentially result from surgery and/or injections. It can also lead to chronic pain which hinders your ability to live a full and enjoyable life.
This biomechanical approach also does not explain why some people with similar injuries experience different levels of pain. Why do some people with a herniated disc experience pain, while others with the same injury do not? This is because each and every human is a unique and complex being with extremely diverse life experiences, all of which play a part in their overall health. Strictly treating the body’s physical symptoms does not address the psychological and social factors that also contribute to pain and its persistence.
That said, the biopsychosocial framework is one that incorporates all parts of the self. This framework applies a more holistic approach to pain, recognizing that it is not just a physical feeling but a complicated interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. This model views pain as a combination of an individual's physical, emotional, cultural, and social experiences.
In this framework, the focus is not just on treating the physical symptoms of pain, but on addressing the underlying psychological and social factors that may be contributing to the pain. For example, someone experiencing chronic back pain may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression that is making their physical symptoms worse.
The chart below illustrates various components of the biopsychosocial framework and how they all work together:
Human Givens Institute (2020) Biopsychosocial Model [Infographic]. East Sussex: UK.
Getting out of persistent pain requires a multifaceted approach that addresses ALL factors that may be contributing to pain. This includes working with a healthcare provider to identify and address any underlying physical injuries or dysfunctions, as well as addressing any psychological or social factors that may be making your pain worse.
It is also important to develop a plan that includes a variety of interventions, such as physical therapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, and other complementary therapies. Consistent daily actions, such as staying active, practicing good sleep hygiene, and managing stress, can also be helpful in managing pain.
In conclusion, pain is a complex concept that cannot be fully understood or addressed through a single framework or intervention. Relying only on medication and other pain management strategies may provide temporary relief, but they are often not enough to address the underlying causes of persistent pain. To effectively manage pain and prevent it from becoming chronic, it is important to take a holistic approach that addresses the biological, psychological, and social factors that may be contributing to the pain. This requires time, a supportive and skilled guide, and consistent daily actions that prioritize overall health and well-being.
If you have been dealing with pain and find yourself unable to fully participate in the activities you enjoy, it’s time to identify and address the root causes so you can live a full, healthy and vibrant life. It is possible!
Use this link to schedule a call or visit our website at www.resolveptnj.com for more information.
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