Understanding Pain - It’s Not Always Your Enemy
Everyone has experienced pain at some point in their lives. But although we all know what it’s like to feel pain, understanding pain can be a little more complex. If you’ve ever wondered about what pain really is and what you should do about it, we’re here to explain.
What is pain?
There are many definitions of pain because it is an incredibly complex process with many factors playing a role. But in simple terms, pain is a warning message from the brain to the body.
This message may be sent because the brain has been told about damage somewhere in the body. But sometimes, it can be caused by other factors, such as the function of nerves around the area that you feel pain, or the function of the brain and spine.
Why pain isn’t the bad guy
Many of us think that pain equals damage. But although it can indicate damage, it doesn’t always. If your foot starts hurting, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve sprained or even torn a muscle, tendon or ligament. If you have a headache, it might not mean that your brain is injured!
The only thing that pain always indicates is that your brain is reacting to a message it’s received from somewhere else in the body. That message may not be accurate – it can be exaggerated or distorted on the journey to the brain.
When it comes to chronic pain, the pain message is often distorted. The nervous system can become overly sensitive to danger messages, and can amplify them.
Some people with chronic pain can experience crushing, stinging or even burning pain with something like a gentle touch on their hand. If you experience chronic pain, it’s important to remember that pain does not always equal damage to the painful area.
What if there is tissue damage?
Maybe you’ve sprained a joint, torn a ligament or broken a bone. In this case, the pain does indicate damage. Your brain sends a pain message to tell you to move less so that you avoid doing further damage. To heal the injury as quickly as possible, your body needs time to rest and recuperate.
If there is damage done, it’s important to start back slowly, even once your pain has faded. Your body is still healing that injury – muscles, connective tissue and bones can take months or even years to fully heal. So make sure you follow any instructions from your doctor and your myotherapist when it comes to returning to activity after an injury.
A new way to look at pain
Pain is not a bad thing, although it’s not an enjoyable experience. In fact, pain is a sign that your brain is trying to help you. It’s telling you that something is a potential danger, and that your body wants you to not do something.
As much as pain is a message from your brain, that doesn’t mean that it’s ‘all in your head’. No matter what the cause of your pain, it is a real experience for you. If you’re experiencing unexplained pain, it’s important to take it seriously and work with a qualified practitioner to uncover the cause.
If you’re experiencing pain, the team at The Wellness Nest are here to help. Our myotherapists have experience working with many types of pain, and can use a variety of tools and techniques to relieve your symptoms. To book an appointment with one of our friendly practitioners, click here.