Managing Your Pain

What is Pain?
Pain is your body's alarm system that tells you something is wrong. When a part of your body is injured, nerves in that area release chemical signals that go to your brain where they are recognized as pain.
People experience pain differently. The amount of pain you experience depends on the type and location of the pain, and how sensitive you are to pain. You may feel pain more quickly, or intensely than someone else who has a higher tolerance for pain. Anxiety and fear can make the pain feel worse. You are the best authority to judge your pain and its relief.
Your physician and nurse can work with you to choose the type of pain management that is best for you.

Describe Your Pain
There are two categories of pain:
1. Acute pain usually has a definite onset and does not last a long time. This is the type of pain you might have after a cut, burn, or sprained ankle. It usually subsides as the injury heals.
2. Chronic pain lasts for longer periods of time, such as arthritis, back pain, or cancer pain.
The Pain Rating Scale can help you describe how severe your pain is.

It is very important to tell your doctor or nurse everything you can about your pain so they can help you relieve it. When you are asked to describe your pain consider the following questions.
• When the pain began?
• What the pain feels like (sharp, dull, throbbing)?
• Where is the pain?
• What type of pain (constant or intermittent)?
• What makes it worse (walking, coughing, moving, etc.)?
• What pain prevents you from doing (sleeping, eating, socializing, etc.)?
• What relieves your pain?
• How severe your pain is on the Pain Rating Scale?

Non-drug Pain Relief
There are several ways to manage pain with out medication. These techniques can be used alone, or in combination:
physical therapy meditation
occupational therapy imagery
relaxation techniques music
nerve stimulation humor
heat and cold distraction
aroma therapy exercises
therapeutic activities massage

Medications for Pain
Different types of medications control pain:
• Mild to moderate pain relief: acetaminaphen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, etc.
• Moderate to severe pain relief: codeine, morphine, and fentanyl
• Nerve pain relief: some antidepressants and anticonvulsants