Pain

Pain

Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, which is primarily associated with tissue damage. Pain generally originates in the peripheral nervous system and is processed and interpreted by the central nervous system.

The nervous system is the body's control centre. It is responsible for receiving information from with and from outside the body, interpreting and coordinating this information, and determining and implementing responses to it.

What causes pain?

There are numerous types of pain with various causes. The more severe types include chronic (long-lasting) pain that cannot be relieved by common over-the-counter painkillers and cancer related pain.

(1)

Chronic pain is generally defined as a pain that lasts for at least 6 months - longer than normal for an injury to heal or an ongoing condition to improve. This can include severe arthritis pain, severe lower back pain, severe neuropathic pain, chronic migraine, etc. Chronic pain can affect a patient's ability to function normally and perform everyday activities. Chronic pain can be linked to depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. This can affect the patient's ability to perform daily activities even more.

(2)

Cancer-related pain Cancer-related pain can be caused by: a tumour that presses on an organ, a nerve or on bone; treatment procedures such as: surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy; stiffness from prolonged lying down or sitting in one position

Can pain be treated?

Advances in pain treatment have resulted in a wide variety of safe and effective options for the control of severe or chronic pain. If one type of medicine does not bring relief, there are many others available. Treatment can be difficult and often includes a combination of treatments tailored to the patient's specific needs and objectives. These can include medication and other methods, such as massage, hot or cold pads and physiotherapy.

People who suffer from severe pain relief may be prescribed tablets, patches or injections. Several types of medication can help control pain:

• Analgesics;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs also known as non-steroidals (NSAIDs) or COX inhibitors;
• Opiods:
• Other medications such as certain anti-depressants or anti-epileptics can be added if pain is difficult to control.

For more information see your Doctor or Healthcare Professional.

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