Session 7

Question 1

What is chronic pain?

Answer 1

Longer than 3 months and does not indicate tissue damage. Prolonged rest or medication not useful

Question 2

What is the gate control theory of pain?

Answer 2

Pain is experienced in the brain through complex pathways between the brain and the damage source
Messages pass through “gates” in the spine
The extent the gates are open affects the number of pain messages that are received
Gates can be open or closed by physiological events and/or psychological factors

Question 3

What are “open gate” factors for pain?

Answer 3

Injury
Stress and tension
Negative beliefs
Depression and anxiety

Question 4

What are “close gate” factors for pain?

Answer 4

Medication
Relaxation
Distraction

Question 5

What is the central message for pain management programmes?

Answer 5

Focus on patient taking control of pain rather than pain being in control:
Reinforce acceptance and reality of chronic pain
Improve fitness and ability to relax
Address fear of consequence of movement