PAIN

ASSESSMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF PAIN: The psychological reaction to pain is subjective. During physical assessment, the same degree and type of pain that would be described as excruciating or unbearable by one patient may not even be mentioned by another patient. Several numeric scales and survey instruments are available to help health care providers standardize the patient’s conveyance of pain and subsequently measure the progress of drug therapies.

MANAGEMENT OF PAIN: Successful pain management depends not only on an accurate assessment of how the patient feels but an understanding of the underlying disorder causing the suffering. Selection of appropriate therapy is dependent on both the nature and characteristic of pain.

CLASSIFICATION OF PAIN: Pain may be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain is an intense pain occurring over a brief period, usually from injury to recovery. Chronic pain persists over a longer time. Six months is considered the standard. Chronic pain interferes continuously with daily activities and usually results in feelings of helplessness and hopelessness for the patient. Pain may also be classified according to its source.

Injury to tissues produces nociceptive pain. This type of pain may be described as somatic pain (sharp, localized sensations) or visceral pain (generalized dull, throbbing, or aching sensations). In contrast, neuropathic pain results from injury to the nerves and is typically described by patients as burning, shooting, or numb pain. Whereas nociceptive pain responds quite well to conventional pain-relief medications, neuropathic pain is more difficult to manage.

NON-PHARMACOLOGIC TECHNIQUES FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT: Although for most patients drugs are quite effective at relieving pain, many drugs have significant side effects. For example, at high doses, aspirin causes gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Opioids have the potential for dependence and can cause significant drowsiness. To assist patients in obtaining adequate pain relief, non-pharmacologic techniques may be used alone or as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. When used concurrently with medications, non-pharmacologic techniques may allow for lower doses and possibly fewer drug-related adverse effects. Some techniques used for reducing pain are as follows:

1) Acupuncture.  2) Biofeedback therapy.  3) Massage.  4) Heat or cold packs.  5) Meditation or prayer.  6) Relaxation therapy.  7) Art or music therapy.  8) Imagery.  9) Chiropractic manipulation.  10) Hypnosis.  11) Physical therapy.  12) Therapeutic or physical touch.  13)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Patients with intractable cancer pain sometimes require more invasive techniques as rapidly growing tumors press on vital tissues and nerves. Chemotherapy and surgical treatments for cancer can cause severe pain. Radiation therapy may provide pain relief by shrinking solid tumors that may be pressing on nerves. Surgery may be used to reduce pain by removing the tumor.

RELATED;

1. CHRONIC PAIN  

2. INFLAMMATION  

3. OPIOID ANALGESICS

4.  MEDICAL CONDITIONS

REFERENCES