Pain
DEFINITION
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience
associated with actual or potential tissue damage.
associated with actual or potential tissue damage.
DESCRIPTION
The main Pain receptors are the sensory nerve endings found
throughout the tissues and organs of the body. These nerve endings
respond to various kinds of stimulation – including that which can
damage tissues. When body tissue is injured, chemicals are released
from the damaged cells – some of which produce Pain.
throughout the tissues and organs of the body. These nerve endings
respond to various kinds of stimulation – including that which can
damage tissues. When body tissue is injured, chemicals are released
from the damaged cells – some of which produce Pain.
Pain may be classified as somatic or visceral.
Somatic pain occurs in the skin, muscles or joints and can be
further classified as either superficial or deep.
further classified as either superficial or deep.
Superficial somatic pain is a sharp, pricking pain that is
usually brief and felt on the surface of the skin.
usually brief and felt on the surface of the skin.
Deep somatic pain is a burning, itching or aching pain that is
caused by stimulation of pain receptors in the deep skin layers,
muscles or joints. It may spread further than the site of injury
and lasts longer than superficial somatic pain. Deep somatic pain
indicates tissue destruction.
caused by stimulation of pain receptors in the deep skin layers,
muscles or joints. It may spread further than the site of injury
and lasts longer than superficial somatic pain. Deep somatic pain
indicates tissue destruction.
Visceral pain occurs as a result of stimulation of pain
receptors in the organs of the chest and abdomen. Visceral pain is
usually felt as a dull ache, a burning feeling or a gnawing
pain.
receptors in the organs of the chest and abdomen. Visceral pain is
usually felt as a dull ache, a burning feeling or a gnawing
pain.
Humans have the same pain threshold. For example, we all feel that
heat is painful at 44 to 46 C – which is the range at which it
begins to damage tissue. However, pain tolerance (our reaction to
pain) can vary widely between people.
heat is painful at 44 to 46 C – which is the range at which it
begins to damage tissue. However, pain tolerance (our reaction to
pain) can vary widely between people.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat the cause and symptoms of Pain.
diagnose and treat the cause and symptoms of Pain.
Remember that Pain may be a warning signal which may require
your Doctor investigating further, e.g. persistent joint pain may
indicate the presence of a rheumatoid disease.
your Doctor investigating further, e.g. persistent joint pain may
indicate the presence of a rheumatoid disease.
Ask your Doctor about the current options available for the
management of pain and see the other Pain topics in the Pain
Management group on the Healthpoint.
management of pain and see the other Pain topics in the Pain
Management group on the Healthpoint.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Always consult your Doctor before taking any dietary
supplements for advice on any possible side effects or drug
interactions.
supplements for advice on any possible side effects or drug
interactions.
- Pain relievers may increase the need for certain necessary
vitamins. The following nutritional supplements may be required
while using analgesics:
Aspirin: bioflavonoids, vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B5, B12, K,
folic acid, iron, manganese.
folic acid, iron, manganese.
Paracetamol: Vitamin E.
- Damage (ulceration) of the stomach lining is a common side
effect of chronic NSAID use. This may increase the body’s needs for
iron if bleeding occurs. - Fish oil and Evening Primrose Oil are high in anti-inflammatory
Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids which may help to reduce
pain. - Herbs that may help to reduce the severity of pain include
feverfew which is often used to help reduce the frequency and
severity of headaches and migraines. Scullcap may help to relieve
nervous tension and muscle spasms which can cause pain and hops is
a herb which also has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Ginger helps to stimulate the circulation and may help to relieve
the pain of stiff joints, headaches and inflammation.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Australian Pain Society topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Ask your Pharmacist about non-drug methods of pain relief.
If your pain is associated with heat and swelling, a cold pack
applied to the area may bring some relief. If the pain is
associated with stiffness, applying a heat pack and warming
liniment to the area may help to ease the pain.
If your pain is associated with heat and swelling, a cold pack
applied to the area may bring some relief. If the pain is
associated with stiffness, applying a heat pack and warming
liniment to the area may help to ease the pain.
2) Make sure that you are taking the correct pain relieving
medication for the particular pain problem. It is not advisable to
continue taking the same pain relief medication without consulting
your Doctor or Pharmacist. There may be a more suitable medication
for your needs or the dosage of the medication may need to be
changed.
medication for the particular pain problem. It is not advisable to
continue taking the same pain relief medication without consulting
your Doctor or Pharmacist. There may be a more suitable medication
for your needs or the dosage of the medication may need to be
changed.
3) Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist for advice before increasing
the dose of a pain relieving medication.
the dose of a pain relieving medication.
4) Never take pain relievers which have been prescribed for
another person. Not all pain relief tablets are the same. Different
pain relievers have different effects, different dose
recommendations and are suitable for different sorts of pain. Some
types of pain relievers may have side effects which the patient may
not be aware of e.g. Non-steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs),
should not be taken by people with an allergy to aspirin.
another person. Not all pain relief tablets are the same. Different
pain relievers have different effects, different dose
recommendations and are suitable for different sorts of pain. Some
types of pain relievers may have side effects which the patient may
not be aware of e.g. Non-steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs),
should not be taken by people with an allergy to aspirin.
5) Consider taking some supplements if the diet is
inadequate.
inadequate.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
