PAIN MANAGEMENT
DEFINITION
Pain management is a critical aspect of health psychology, focusing on alleviating
suffering and enhancing the quality of life for individuals experiencing pain.
Pain is a complex experience influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental
factors.
HISTORY OF PAIN MANAGEMENT
• Ancient Methods
- Traditional Herbal Remedies & Spiritual and Ritual Healing
• Middle Ages to Renaissance
- Bloodletting and Cauterization, Alcohol & Opium
• 19th and 20th Century Developments
- Anesthesia Discovery (1846), Aspirin and Morphine,
WWI & WWII
• Modern Pain Management
-Multidisciplinary Approaches, Technology in Pain Relief,
Personalized Medicine
WHAT IS PAIN?
Pain is an unpleasant experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.
ETIOLOGY AND CAUSES OF PAIN
1. NOCICEPTIVE PAIN
It is caused by injury or damage to body tissue. It is often described as aching or
throbbing.
2. NEUROPATHIC PAIN
Caused by damage to the nerves ("neuro-" meaning nerves and "-pathic"
meaning disorder). It is often chronic. Patients might describe their pain as
burning or shooting, or they might report “being on pins and needles.”
3. IDIOPATHIC PAIN
Pain that comes from an unknown cause that defies explanation, even after
examination. Idiopathic pain may be psychological or physiological in origin.
Example : Migraine
HOW IS PAIN ACQUIRED?
1. Injury or Trauma
-Physical damage to tissues, such as cuts, fractures, or burns, triggers
pain signals.
2. Medical Conditions
- Chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, and diabetes can cause
persistent pain.
3. Neurological Disorders
- Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
or nerve damage, can lead to neuropathic pain.
4. Post-Surgical Pain
- Surgical procedures often result in pain during recovery due to
tissue healing and inflammation.
5. Psychological and Emotional Factors
- Stress, anxiety, and depression can amplify pain perception, even
without physical injury.
6. Environmental and Occupational Factors
- Repetitive movements, poor posture, or exposure to hazardous
conditions can lead to chronic pain.
TYPES OF PAIN
(a.) According to severity
Mild
Moderate
Severe
(b.) According to nature:
Cramping pain -Radiating pain
Tingling pain -Aching pain
Throbbing pain
Burning pain
Pricking pain
(c.) According to onset:
Acute
Chronic
(d.) According to continuity:
Continuous or constant pain
Periodic or intermittent
SYMPTOMS OF PAIN
1. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
a. Persistent aching, burning, or stabbing sensation
b. Fatigue or lack of energy
c. Increased heart rate or high blood pressure due to severe pain
d. Headaches or dizziness
e. Nausea or upset stomach (common with severe pain)
2. EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
a. Irritability or sudden mood swings
b. Increased feelings of frustration or helplessness
c. Anger or resentment, especially if the pain affects daily activities
d. Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained
e. Loss of motivation or interest in hobbies and social activities
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
a. Anxiety or excessive worrying about the pain or its cause
b. Depression or feelings of hopelessness
c. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
d. Insomnia or trouble sleeping due to discomfort
e. Social withdrawal or avoiding interactions due to pain-related stress
DEVELOPMENT OF PAIN
Due to any Active pain Sensory nerves
causes (tissue
receptor transmit pain
injury, physical
trauma, or any present within perception to
pain stimulus) skin spinal cord
Brain
Feeling of
Thalamus (cerebrum
pain
)
CURE AND PREVENTION
While there is no single cure for pain, pain management focuses on reducing pain and
improving function.
Acute pain: Often treated with medications and addressing the underlying cause.
Chronic pain: Requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medications, physical therapy,
cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Pain Medications
Over the counter and prescription medications can help relieve pain. These include
acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, and antidepressants.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, massage, yoga, and meditation can be helpful for managing pain, especially
chronic pain.
PREVALENCE OF PAIN IN THE PHILIPPINES
Philippines is considered low, with studies showing a significant gap between the need for pain
relief and the actual access to effective pain management practices, a study reported a 10.4%
prevalence of moderate-to-severe chronic pain in the general adult population, indicating a need
for improved pain management practices in the country.
due to factors like:
• limited opioid prescription,
• cultural attitudes towards pain, and
• high healthcare costs;
