Pain Flashcards
Describe the biomedical model in terms of pain.
Physical damage is the sole and direct cause of pain.
Full extent of experience: more damage = more pain
Psychology in pain aftermath
Define pain.
An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience
Associated with actual or potential tissue damage
Or is described in terms of such damage
What are some of the limitations of the biomedical model of pain?
Pain after healing Pain without physical damage Little pain when severe injuries Phantom limb pain Placebo effect
Describe acute pain.
Short term
Warns of damage
Pain as long as healing
Action required: rest, medical help
Describe chronic pain.
More than 12 weeks
Long term and debilitating
Useless- no ongoing tissue damage
Condition or unknown cause
Outline the gate control theory of pain.
Pain is a two way process of communication between brain and tissue damage.
Neural relays in dorsal horn of spinal cord
Extent to which gate/relay open affects no. Pain messages received
Under what circumstances are the gates closed?
Medication Counter stimulation Exercise Relaxation Distraction Positive emotions
Under what circumstances are the gates open?
Injury Stress and tension Expectation Over/under active Negative emotions NS sensitivity
What are the limitations of the gate control theory?
No physical structure identified
Assumes some organic basis of pain
Dualistic thinking: allows some interaction between physical and psychological
What are the aims of pain management programmes?
Improve quality if life: physical, psychological, emotional, social
Patient to take control
What are some of the features of guided practice?
Reinforce and accept realities of chronic pain
Increases fitness, mobility and posture
Address fear of movement consequences
Outline coping strategies for stress, anxiety and depression
Graded return to normal activities
Reduce use of unhelpful aids and equipment
What are the four main topics of pain management?
Managing thoughts and feelings
Active
Goal setting
Relaxation
What are the 2 important aspects of pain management programmes for the patient?
Believed pain real
Part of a group with shared experiences
Identify inclusion considerations
Language and communication Mental health- group engagement Cognitive ability Willing to be in group environment Level of physical functioning Social and psychological issues
What are the issues with pain management programmes?
Not all patients suited to group
Maintaining changes
Practicalities of follow up
Most effective at beginning of pain episode
