Two types of Pain
Pain is a complex and universal experience that differs from individual to individual.
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage [1]. In clinical settings, it refers to what the patient says or experiences. The experience of pain depends upon the biological (e.g. extent of illness or injury), psychological (e.g. anxiety, depression, fear, guilt) and social (e.g. support, criticism or withdrawal) factors and thus requires its management accordingly.
In fact, it can be considered a good thing, as it warns us that something is going wrong. It is the ultimate early warning system. Thus, it plays a powerfully protective role and, in some conditions, it is essential to save lives as it causes the individual to seek for help. No doubt, without pain the world would have been a dangerous place!
There are two types we can experience: acute or chronic.
Acute or Inflammatory Pain
It can last for hours, days or sometimes weeks is referred to as acute. Most acute pain resolves itself within 7-10 days. It usually warns the patient about tissue damage, inflammation, an initial disease process or a surgical procedure. It has been reported that acute pain is not being addressed adequately due to poor pain assessment and the lack of information.
Chronic or Neuropathic Pain
It can last for months, years and even for an entire lifetime is referred to as chronic. Chronic neuropathic worsens with time and accompanies many common diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, AIDS, and fibromyalgia. It may also accompany unhealed lesions or injuries of the body. Chronic neuropathic is a result of functional alterations of the autonomic nervous system. Chronic neuropathic requires physical input, such a microcurrent or acupuncture, in order to alter or change the nervous system into regulation.
The State of Pain Management in Modern Medicine
The fact that pain is so subjective makes it difficult to measure, and difficult to teach. It is a well-known fact that the subject of pain management is not instructed in medical or therapy schools, further complicating and confusing the patient who cannot receive proper diagnosis or treatments because the professionals are unqualified and possess the wrong tools and skills. Therefore, in order to cope with biological, psychological and social pain factors it requires a huge multidisciplinary team approach including government agencies, health-care providers, non-government organizations (NGOs), educators, professional bodies, pain advocacy groups and support groups to manage.
At Pillars of Wellness, we provide an integrated care approach. It helps the patient to maximize their health and recovery process by taking advantage of our multidisciplinary clinic. Our practitioners are happy to sit down with you and discuss how they can help in any capacity.
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