A severe headache, a strained shoulder muscle, an accidental burn to the hand, an upset stomach—these all produce pain responses that help the brain communicate threat or danger. If you think life would be much better without these pain reactions, you are wrong. Feeling the pain is important to protect you from further injury.
Physiology of pain
According to our pain management experts, the brain sends signals or stimuli through these pain responses. This automatic reaction is part of what experts call the pain process.
For example, if you sprain your knee, your body automatically releases chemicals that send messages to your brain that you are injured. These chemicals travel through the spinal cord all the way to the brain where they are processed. Once the brain receives the message, it registers the feeling. These messages can convey warmth, pain, and discomfort to you—signs of inflammation.
Once this happens, you may try to slow down until your body heals or the sprain is properly treated. This way, you can prevent further damage to your body.
However, our Broward County pain management experts say chronic pain patients have different pain processes. In this case, the function of the nervous system changes, so the body becomes more sensitive to pain. In some cases, even a light touch can be painful.
pain psychology
Everyone responds to pain differently, but research shows that while pain can be subjective, men are clearly more tolerant of pain. Experts also know that women feel more pain than men and are more willing to open up about their experiences. They are also better at blocking out painful experiences, so they feel less stressed than men. Experts say this is an important discovery for treating chronic pain.
Another study found that some people report less pain when they are around people who make them feel safe. However, many self-sufficient and independent people may feel less pain if they deal with injuries and/or personal issues on their own.
Therefore, pain management experts encourage health care providers to respect the way patients deal with pain, because everyone handles pain in their own way. For example, some pregnant mothers may not want their partner in the delivery room during labor.
Learn more about pain management in Broward County
If you suffer from acute or chronic pain, consult Dr. Escobar today.
Dr. Luis Escobar is a leading provider of interventional pain treatments. Dr. Escobar is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesia and the American Board of Pain Management and has been an expert in his field for over 15 years. Dr. Escobar works with his patients to treat the root cause of their pain so that you can get back to the things you love in life.
Our pain specialists are experts at performing procedures such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma injections, epidural steroid injections and other innovative techniques. All of these can help you reduce pain and restore your quality of life.
To learn more about pain management in Pembroke Pines, Aventura, and Hollywood, you can contact us at 954-322-8586. Contact us today for a consultation and take the step toward a pain-free life.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
