Table of Contents
Pain is a common symptom and a significant source of suffering, affecting the quality of life of those who experience it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 to 2021 report, 20.9 percent of U.S. adults reported chronic pain, with 6.9 percent (17.1 million people) experiencing high-impact chronic pain (1).
Pain not only impacts people’s daily lives but also carries many health consequences, such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, and social repercussions, such as isolation. These complications can deepen the negative impact of chronic pain on the physical, emotional, and social health.
Various strategies for pain relief exist, ranging from pharmacological treatment to mental and physical techniques. Choosing the most effective strategy may vary from person to person, depending on their individual preferences and the nature and severity of their pain.
Read on to learn more about the types of pain, related health consequences, and techniques that can help alleviate this problem.
Different types of pain
Pain can be classified in multiple ways to find and treat its cause. Therefore, doctors obtain a detailed medical history to determine the cause of your discomfort.
Pain is classified according to duration and physiopathology. Here’s how:
- Duration:
- Acute
- Chronic (non-cancer related)
- Physiopathology:
- Nociceptive
- Neuropathic
Acute pain
Acute pain is the body’s natural and expected response to injury or damage, whether physical, chemical, or traumatic. Its duration depends on the healing or scarring of the affected tissues.
Pain typically continues during this process and disappears once the tissues have fully healed. If the pain lasts longer than three to six months, it is considered chronic.
Acute pain plays a crucial role in our survival. It acts as an alarm signal indicating a threat to our body. This signal activates avoidance or protective mechanisms, preparing us to respond appropriately to the injury or aggression.
Some of the main characteristics of acute pain are the following ones:
- It is the result of actual or potential tissue injury.
- It functions as a primary alarm signal to the body.
- Its duration is directly related to the healing process of the affected tissues.
- It is expected to disappear once the tissues have healed completely.
In summary, acute pain is not considered a disease but a symptom that activates the warning system to protect us from injury.
Chronic pain
As mentioned before, chronic pain persists beyond the expected recovery period, usually over three to six months. It is more common in women and usually has life-limiting consequences, such as depression and sleep disorders (2).
Distinctive features of chronic pain include the following:
- Persistence beyond the tissue repair process: Unlike acute pain, which tends to disappear once the tissues have healed, chronic pain continues even after the healing process is complete.
- Changes in the pain system: Chronic pain is associated with changes in the pain detection system (nociceptive) that may involve the nerves, brain, or spinal cord. These changes may cause the body to perceive pain more intensely or for a longer time (3).
Unlike acute pain, chronic painis perceived as a disease. This is important as it reduces the stigma associated with this condition. Often, people suffering from chronic pain can face a lack of understanding or empathy from those around them, which can lead to minimization of pain and inadequate care.
Nociceptive pain
Nociceptive pain results from the activation of neural pathways in response to stimuli that threaten to cause damage. It is triggered when nerves detect signals of injury or threat in the body. There are two types: somatic and visceral pain.
- Somatic pain
Somatic pain originates in the skin, muscles, ligaments, bones, or joints. It results from the activation of pain receptors in these structures, known as nociceptors, which detect injury or physical damage to the body.
This type of pain is localized and typically described as sharp, shooting, or aching. Examples include bone pain from a fracture, joint pain from injury, or arthritis. Typically, it improves with anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Visceral pain
Visceral pain refers to activating pain receptors (nociceptors) located in the body’s internal organs, such as the heart, stomach, liver, kidneys, or intestines. Unlike somatic pain, this type of pain is gradual and progressive, not restricted to a specific point, and can fluctuate throughout the day.
In addition, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs typically do not relieve it. This type of pain is commonly described as a feeling of pressure, swelling, cramping, or burning. Various conditions can cause it, often spreading to other areas of the body, which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, not by stimulation of pain receptors. Chronic and intermittent symptoms include:
- Severe pain
- Abnormal sensations such as burning or tingling along the nerve’s course
The causes of neuropathic pain are diverse and are often related to nerve injuries or diseases affecting the nervous system.
Some common causes include traumatic injuries, diabetic neuropathy, shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), multiple sclerosis, stroke, and nerve tumors, among others.
The treatment of neuropathic pain is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Medications are often the first line of treatment and include tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, and analgesics.
In summary, pain is classified according to its duration as acute or chronic and its pathophysiology. Nociceptive pain is further classified as somatic or visceral. Classifying pain is essential to understanding its origin and associated complications and directing appropriate and timely treatment.
How does pain affect daily living?
Quality of life is usually defined as complete well-being, including physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects. Chronic pain disrupts these aspects in different ways.
Physical consequences
Pain negatively impacts physical health (4). First, it can limit mobility and daily activities such as walking, lifting, or maintaining proper posture, decreasing strength and flexibility.
Consequently, nearly all people with chronic pain suffer muscle weakness and fatigue from lack of activity, further negatively impacting their lives.
Pain also impacts sleep (5). People with chronic pain often experience difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and poor sleep quality. Lack of adequate sleep can increase pain sensitivity, compromise immune function, and increase the risk of chronic health problems.
Changes in eating are another key issue. Some people may lose their appetite (6) and experience weight loss due to discomfort and lack of energy. On the other hand, others may turn to food as a way to cope with stress, which can lead to unwanted weight gain.
There is evidence that chronic pain increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke (7).
Emotional consequences
People experiencing chronic pain face a variety of emotional challenges that change their quality of life and overall well-being.
They may experience anxiety about the cause of the pain, its management, whether it will worsen over time, and how it will affect their quality of life.
Major depression is often found in people suffering from chronic discomfort (8). People may feel that they cannot perform activities they once easily did, which can lead to a loss of self-confidence and feelings of worthlessness (9).
Social isolation
The physical and emotional consequences negatively affect interpersonal relationships, participation in social activities, and work life. People with chronic pain may avoid social events due to physical or emotional discomfort. The same reasons may lead to absences from work, further decreasing quality of life.
In summary, chronic pain affects all areas of people’s lives. To mitigate these consequences, having adequate information is essential to avoid increasing the feeling of uncertainty.
How to relieve pain without medicines: Alternative therapies
Numerous techniques and treatments are available for reducing chronic pain. Both traditional and alternative medicine professionals seek answers to treating this condition. Here are some complementary medicine techniques that can help.
Acupuncture
The ancient method of acupuncture, originating in Chinese medicine, is one of the best-known treatments for chronic pain (10).
This practice consists of inserting needles into various points of the body. This can alter the painful sensations that reach the central nervous system through nerves or release multiple pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
Acupuncture can be used for long-term pain control and for acute pain in those who cannot tolerate drugs. However, it is important to find an experienced certified practitioner.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is an approach to health care that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine.
Chiropractors consider the spine fundamental to overall health, affecting the functioning of the nervous system and, therefore, health throughout the body.
Several studies suggest that people with migraine headaches have improved symptoms after chiropractic sessions (11).
Aerobic exercises
Exercise has multiple benefits for our body, including positive impacts on our brain. It improves sensation, motor coordination, and cognitive and emotional functioning and is an effective adjunctive treatment for chronic pain and depression (12).
For people with chronic pain, these effects on the brain can be especially significant in improving their functionality and quality of life.
Moderate aerobic exercise, performed regularly throughout the week, can reverse hypersensitivity to pain by increasing endogenous opioids, the body’s natural painkillers (13). The optimum duration varies. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you.
In summary, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and aerobic exercise can improve pain tolerance, helping patients to improve their physical condition and social reintegration. Ask your physician which of these therapies can complement your treatment.
![](https://dev.healthtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FLG-banner3.png")
How to reduce pain and discomfort through mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Studies suggest that a person’s emotions can influence their experience of pain (8). Here are some ways to cope with pain to improve your quality of life.
Mindfulness
This technique focuses attention on the present moment in a mindful and non-judgmental manner. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce pain perception by changing how painful sensations are processed in the brain (9).
Breathing techniques
Deep, controlled breathing can help calm the nervous system and reduce pain intensity (10). Try breathing techniques such as abdominal breathing, inhaling deeply through your nose, filling your abdomen with air, and exhaling slowly through your mouth.
Mind-body therapy
This therapy involves integrating the body and mind to address chronic pain. It may include practices such as yoga, tai chi, or qi gong, which combine gentle movements with breathing and mindfulness techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can help relieve pain (1).
These techniques can help complement medical treatment and can improve pain tolerance. Choose one and perform it daily to improve results.
What can worsen pain?
A variety of factors can worsen pain, including:
- Stress: Emotional stress, such as anxiety, can increase the perception of pain and make it more difficult to manage.
- Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can increase pain sensitivity and worsen the experience of pain.
- Lack of physical activity: Physical inactivity can lead to muscle and joint stiffness, increasing pain sensation.
- Improper posture: Improper posture for extended periods can put additional pressure on certain body parts, which can cause or worsen pain.
Foods and beverages that make pain worse
Certain foods and beverages worsen chronic pain, such as:
- Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and increase the sensation of pain in people with conditions such as gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and worsen pain for some people. Examples include gastrointestinal pain and headaches (12).
The effects of foods and drinks on pain may vary depending on the individual and the specific medical condition. It is advisable to identify possible triggers to avoid them.
Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized diet and pain management recommendations.
What is the treatment that alleviates pain without curing the disease?
Analgesic (pain relieving) medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and opioids, are commonly used to reduce pain without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease.
Other treatments, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques, can also help manage pain.
Is it possible to increase pain tolerance?
Various techniques and practices can increase pain tolerance. Some strategies that can help are regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
How can I get instant relief from pain?
To achieve instant relief from pain without medication, consider natural methods such as heat or cold therapy, gentle massage, and deep breathing exercises.
These techniques can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, providing immediate comfort and relief.
How do you sleep when you’re in pain?
Some strategies to improve sleep when in pain include using supportive pillows, practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment (such as a dark, quiet room), and avoiding caffeine and stimulating activities close to bedtime.
Does a sauna help with pain?
Saunas may temporarily relieve certain types of pain, such as muscle soreness or stiffness, by promoting relaxation and increasing blood flow to affected areas.
However, the effects may vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the pain. It is also important to stay hydrated during this process.
Does flying make inflammation pain worse?
Flying can worsen inflammation-related pain, especially for individuals with conditions like vascular disease in their legs.
Factors such as changes in cabin pressure, prolonged sitting in cramped spaces, and dehydration during flights can aggravate discomfort. Staying hydrated, moving around periodically, and wearing compression stockings can help alleviate symptoms and improve comfort during air travel.
Summary
Using alternative methods for relief is critical to improving the quality of life for those who experience pain. To evaluate treatments, it is important to understand the difference between acute and chronic pain. While acute pain is the body’s natural response to an injury, chronic pain persists beyond the expected recovery time.
Pain, especially chronic pain, can negatively affect all aspects of life, including physical, emotional, and social health.
Techniques such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and moderate aerobic exercise can be used to relieve pain. These therapies can improve pain tolerance and promote physical and social well-being.
On the other hand, mental techniques often complement the physical ones. Techniques such as mindfulness, guided visualization, breathing techniques, and mind-body therapy can be used to change the perception of pain and promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
In addition, avoiding factors that can worsen pain, such as emotional stress, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, and certain foods, such as alcohol and spicy foods, is key to improving the quality of life of those who suffer from this condition.
Comments
0