17 April 2022
Good Pain Versus Bad Pain
This article will give you an overview of Neuropathic and Nociceptive Pain, which are two types of pain. Both are uncomfortable, but they are different in ways that can make your life more comfortable or miserable. Identifying which type of pain you’re experiencing can help you better manage it. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why certain types of pain are better than others, and how to deal with them in the right way.
Acute Pain
When it comes to treating different kinds of pain, acute pain is often the most appropriate. Acute pain is short-term and often responds to the use of medication. For instance, if you have a sore throat, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to ease the pain. Hundreds of over-the-counter medicines contain acetaminophen, which is effective in relieving mild to moderate pain.
Acute pain is caused by a specific disease and serves a useful biologic purpose. It’s often associated with skeletal muscle spasm and sympathetic nervous system activation. However, persistent pain can cause significant damage and may eventually lead to chronic pain. Acute pain is self-limiting, whereas chronic pain lasts for several days or months. It also may arise from a psychological state and has no recognizable endpoint. Chronic pain costs the health system $65 billion annually and accounts for nearly 650 million lost workdays per year.
Chronic Pain
What is the difference between chronic pain and good pain? According to Steven H. Richeimer, a professor and the chief of the division of pain medicine at the University of Southern California, the two can be caused by the same medical condition. A variety of treatments can be used to help with chronic pain, including medicine, relaxation therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes. Chronic pain is more common than many people realize, and it costs the country more than $60 billion per year.
Acute pain lets us know that something is wrong. It is uncomfortable and usually lasts only a short time. Unlike chronic pain, which may last for months or even years, acute pain usually resolves on its own. It may limit our ability to work or participate in our hobbies. If we are experiencing chronic pain, we are in danger of re-injuring ourselves and may limit our activities for fear of another injury. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find a pain management treatment that will be both safe and effective.
Neuropathic Pain
There are two types of pain: neuropathic and nonneuropathic. Both types of pain are caused by nerve damage, and the former is chronic and persistent. While nonneuropathic pain typically occurs due to injury or disease, neuropathic pain may appear suddenly without any apparent cause. The symptoms of neuropathic pain may include burning, pins and needles, tingling, and difficulty sensing temperature or pressure. Some people find it difficult to wear thick clothes, as even a slight pressure can aggravate neuropathic pain.
For those suffering from neuropathic pain, a physician will conduct a thorough physical examination and interview you to determine the cause. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your pain triggers and any risk factors that may have contributed to the development of neuropathic pain. Your physician will likely also order a series of blood tests and nerve scans to determine the exact cause of your pain. Treatment for neuropathic pain may involve medications such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants. You may also receive a topical application of capsaicin, a chili-pepper extract. Other methods of pain relief may include steroid injections and local anesthetics.
Nociceptive Pain
There are two types of pain: nociceptive and neuropathic. Nociceptive pain develops quickly and alerts the body to danger. It is the result of damaged nerves or soft tissue. This type of pain may be triggered by a wide range of stimuli. Somatic pain results from injuries to skin, muscle, and soft tissue. Symptoms of nociceptive somatic pain are ache, swelling, and squeezing. Other types of nociceptive pain can be a sign of cancer, for example.
The treatment for nociceptive pain depends on the type of injury and the intensity of the pain. NSAIDs and antidepressants target phase four of the pain signal. Antidepressants and opioids work by inhibiting the release of the prostaglandins that are responsible for triggering pain in the body. The best way to treat nociceptive pain is to treat the underlying cause.
Radicular Pain
Radicular pain occurs when nerves from the spine are compressed or irritated. It often radiates into the legs and hips and can be accompanied by numbness or tingling. The cause of radicular pain can be different in each case, but in most cases, it can be related to a herniated disc or degenerative changes in the spine. If you suffer from radicular pain, your doctor will recommend nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy and activity modification, to help relieve your pain and avoid surgical procedures.
Good Pain Versus Bad Pain
If your radicular pain is coming from a nerve root, then the symptoms of a compression of the spinal cord or brain are primarily sensory, rather than motor. In addition, muscle weakness is another warning sign of a more severe compression. Symptoms of radicular pain can range from pain, numbness, or tingling, to weakness of the arms and legs. If you suffer from symptoms such as these, you may need to seek medical attention immediately.