Pain

When something hurts, one wants it to stop. This is a fundamental human instinct. Relieving pain, is the most ancient medical goal, and is the single most common reason people go to the doctor. Pain is more than a physical sensation; it also attacks the mind by putting it under duress as it tries to cope with those painful sensations. People experiencing chronic pain often find themselves struggling with a secondary depression. It is harder to do things that bring meaning to one’s life, be it physical or social activity. Chronic pain, whether from arthritis, fybromyalgia, or other health conditions, presents a true challenge to quality of life for many older adults. It can easily become the central preoccupation in one’s day and night.

Over the years, great strides have been made in understanding and treating pain. New medications and non drug therapies (like support groups, meditation, biofeedback, gentle massage, and herbal supplements) are important in a treatment regimen. Doctors generally prefer to start with therapies that have fewer negative side-effects like mild pain relievers combined with heat, cold, exercise and other physical therapies. Depending on the progress, stronger medications and eventually even injection treatments may be suggested.

Recently much attention is being given to alternative therapies and the mind-body connection as it relates to pain management. Using the mind to draw upon the body’s natural pain-fighting mechanisms is becoming a widely accepted mode of intervention. Hypnosis, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and breathing techniques are all used in dealing with physical pain.

Pain differs from person. Family upbringing, cultural influences, personality and attitude, as well as past pain experiences interact to shape both an individual’s perception of pain and how that individual copes with it. There is a wealth of knowledge about the mechanics of the brain and pain, but the nuances of an individual’s subjective response to pain are still quite unpredictable.

A positive attitude and willingness to work with doctors and other caregivers are helpful in managing chronic pain. Being open to explore treatment methods, both traditional and nontraditional will increases the chances of successfully managing pain.

Endorphins have shown to reduce the experience of pain. Therefore participating in an appropriate level of exercise combined with intentional positive emotion can also help reduce the focused grip of chronic pain. Many chronic pain sufferers become singularly fixated on their pain, making it difficult for other experiences to influence the mind and provide and alleviating distraction. Reminding oneself in an experiential way that one is more than one’s pain allows for the continued expansion and growth of the self.