What is pain?

Pain is an unpleasant sensation typically associated with physical discomfort or injury. It can be described as a feeling of discomfort or distress caused by the activating pain receptors in the body, which send signals to the brain indicating that something is wrong.

Pain can be acute or chronic, and various of factors, including injury, inflammation, disease, or psychological stress, can cause it. It is a complex and subjective experience that can vary in intensity, duration, and location depending on the individual and the underlying cause. While pain is often a critical warning sign that alerts us to potential damage or injury to our body, it can also be a debilitating condition that affects our quality of life and ability to function.

What are the different types of pain?

Acute pain

Acute pain is the body's normal and temporary reaction to injury. After resolving the underlying cause, the condition usually lasts for less than six months. Acute pain starts sharp or intense before gradually improving.

Causes of Acute Pain:

• Broken bones/fractures
  
• Surgery
  
• Dental work
  
• Labor and childbirth
  
• Cuts
  
• Burns
  

Chronic pain

Chronic pain continues for longer than acute pain, and is often defined as any pain in the body that lasts 12 weeks or more. This type of pain can persist for prolonged periods without improving or gaining any benefit for the body. In addition to causing physical pain, chronic pain can also make it difficult to sleep, think clearly and perform daily activities.

Common examples of chronic pain include:

• Headaches are frequent
  
• Pain from nerve damage
  
• Pain in the lower back
  
• Arthritis pain
  
• Pain caused by fibromyalgia
  

Neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. Unlike nociceptive pain, which is caused by tissue damage or inflammation, neuropathic pain results from abnormal or damaged nerve function.

Various underlying conditions, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, infections, and chemotherapy, can cause neuropathic pain. Symptoms can range from shooting, burning, or tingling sensations to numbness or weakness in the affected area.

Neuropathic pain can be caused by nerve injury or dysfunction in the following ways:

• Chronic alcohol consumption
  
• Accidents
  
• Infections
  
• Facial nerve problems - Bell’s palsy
  
• Spinal nerve inflammation or compression
  
• Shingles
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• HIV
  
• Central nervous system disorders, namely multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
  
• Radiation
  
• Chemotherapy drugs
  

Nociceptive pain

Nociceptive pain is the type of pain caused by damage to body tissue. Pain is frequently characterized as sharp, achy, or throbbing in nature. It is typically caused by external injuries or underlying medical conditions that result in tissue inflammation or damage, including arthritis, osteoporosis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can also result from cuts, burns, bruises, or fractures.

A person suffering from this type of pain frequently experiences it in their joints, muscles, skin, tendons, and bones. It may be acute or chronic.

Radicular pain

Radicular pain is a particular type of pain that travels from the back and hip down into one or both legs. This pain is caused by irritation or compression of the spinal nerve root located in the spinal cord.

Along with pain, radicular symptoms can also include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected leg muscles.

Functional pain

Functional pain is a type of pain that occurs without any underlying tissue damage or medical explanation. It is often associated with changes in the way the nervous system processes pain signals, resulting in an increased sensitivity to pain. It can be chronic and may affect various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, back, or head. It can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and may require a multifaceted approach to manage and alleviate symptoms.

Examples of medical conditions leading to functional pain are:

• Fibromyalgia: A condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, with no underlying medical explanation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, with no identifiable medical cause.
• Temporomandibular dysfunction is a disorder of the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and nerves collectively referred to as Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), which can result in chronic facial pain.
• Functional chest pain: Pain in the chest not associated with cardiac or respiratory conditions.

What are the causes of pain?

Pain Management

Techniques for managing pain

• Pain medicines
  
• Physical therapies (the use of heat or cold packs, massage, hydrotherapy, and exercise)
  
• Psychological therapies (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and meditation)
  
• Mind and body techniques (acupuncture)
  
• Community support groups
  

How to manage pain without medicines

1. Hot or cold compress – use ice packs immediately after an injury to reduce swelling. Hot packs are more effective for chronic muscle or joint injuries.
   
2. Physical therapies – exercises like walking, stretching, strengthening, and aerobics may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote a good mood. 
   
3. Massage –  Massage is a form of physical therapy that is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries but should be avoided for joint pain. Although massage may help manage pain, the therapy is not recommended as a long-term solution.
   
4. Stress management and relaxation techniques – including meditation and yoga.
   
5. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) – Through this form of therapy, it can help modify your perceptions of pain, as well as your corresponding behaviors and emotions. It is an effective strategy for self-management of chronic pain.
   
6. Acupuncture – is a component of traditional Chinese medicine. In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points. With the help of natural pain-relieving compounds (endorphins), it can restore balance to the body and promote healing. As a result, some people find that acupuncture relieves their pain and allows them to function normally again. However, studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing pain are inconclusive.
   
7. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy – uses electrical stimulation to diminish pain. Low-voltage electrical currents are delivered to the skin through electrodes placed near the source of pain during the procedure.
   
8. Bioelectric Therapy – Bioelectric therapy is a safe and drug-free treatment alternative for patients experiencing pain. It is commonly used to alleviate both acute and chronic pain conditions by interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
   

• Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD
  
• Back pain
  
• Muscle pain
  
• Headaches and migraines
  
• Lower and upper limb blood flow disorders
  
• Arthritis
  
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome (which affects the jaw)
  
• Diabetic Neuropathy (disorders of the nervous system)
  
• Scleroderma (a chronic skin condition that causes thickening and hardening of the skin) may cause inflammation and ulcers as a result of poor circulation.
  

We recommend the following natural pain-relieving products:
1. Hawaiian Choice : Topical Gel with Arnica - designed for direct application on areas experiencing pain, discomfort or inflammation.
   
2. Holi-Freeze Muscle and Joint Relief Gel – is formulated with industry-leading levels of hemp and menthol for instant and long-lasting relief from pain related to stress and muscle tension.
   
3. Elevar Wellness Full Spectrum Restorative Balm – for MAXIMUM Anti-Inflammatory therapeutic effect.
   
4. Hawaiian Choice – Relief – may help ease pain and inflammation
   
5. Rare Cannabinoid Co : Apothecary – CBG Defense - may relieve discomfort, soreness, and inflammation after exercise while promoting a sense of calm and balance
   
6. Rare Cannabinoid Co : CBN Gummies – Relieve pain & inflammation caused by several conditions, including arthritis and Crohn’s disease
   
   
NOTE: Please check with your healthcare provider before taking these.

Pain Medicine

1. Paracetamol – which is a commonly prescribed medicine to relieve short-term pain.
   
2. Aspirin – temporarily relieves mild to moderate pain (such as menstrual pain or headaches).
   
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen – these medications are prescribed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation (redness and swelling).
   
4. Opioid medicines, such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone – are used to treat severe or cancer-related pain.
   
5. Local anaesthetics (drops, sprays, creams, or injections) – are used when nerves are easily accessible.
   
6. Some antidepressants and anti-epilepsy medicines – called nerve pain medicines - can be used to treat certain types of pain.
   

Which pain management program is right for you?

• The severity of the pain
  
• The cause of the pain
  
• The age and health of the person                                                                                                          
  
• The availability of the program
  

Importance of Understanding Types of Pain for Effective Pain Management