PRELIMS: Pain Flashcards
(60 cards)
Q: What is the difference between peripheral and central sensitization?
Peripheral sensitization: Increased responsiveness of nociceptors due to injury/inflammation.
Central sensitization: Amplified pain perception due to changes in the central nervous system (CNS).
Q: What is sympathetically maintained pain?
A: Pain that is sustained by the sympathetic nervous system, common in conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Q: What is neuropathic pain?
A: Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system, often described as burning, shooting, or tingling.
Q: What is the neuromatrix theory of pain?
A: Pain is generated by a network of brain regions influenced by sensory, cognitive, and emotional factors, rather than just tissue damage.
Q: How does dry needling work for trigger points?
A: It causes a localized twitch response, releasing muscle tension and resetting neuromuscular function.
Q: What are common trigger points in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)?
Upper trapezius – Shoulder and neck pain
Levator scapulae – Neck stiffness
Gluteus medius – Lower back pain
Quadratus lumborum – Side/lower back pain
Q: What are the key diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia (FM)?
Widespread pain for >3 months
Pain in ≥4 of 5 regions (new criteria)
Associated symptoms: fatigue, poor sleep, cognitive issues
Q: How does catastrophizing affect chronic pain?
A: It amplifies pain perception by increasing emotional distress, leading to avoidance behaviors and disability.
Q: What are common environmental triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups?
A: Weather changes (cold, humidity), stress, lack of sleep, and excessive physical activity.
Q: What are yellow flags in pain management?
Psychological factors that increase the risk of chronic pain:
Fear-avoidance behaviors
Pain catastrophizing
Low self-efficacy
Passive coping strategies
Q: What are the three main components of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) treatment?
Correct chronic overload (postural changes, ergonomic fixes)
Eliminate trigger points (stretching, dry needling, manual therapy)
Strengthen muscles (gradual endurance training
Q: What are red flags for serious underlying conditions in chronic pain patients?
Unexplained weight loss (cancer)
Severe nocturnal pain (malignancy)
Bowel/bladder dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome)
History of trauma with sudden pain onset (fracture)
Q: What are blue flags in chronic pain?
A: Work-related factors, such as job dissatisfaction or the belief that work will cause further injury.
Q: What is graded motor imagery (GMI)?
A: A rehab technique that re-trains the brain’s pain perception using left-right discrimination, visualization, and mirror therapy.
Q: What are black flags in chronic pain?
A: Social and system-related factors like lack of insurance, workplace policies, and compensation claims.
Q: What are key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain?
Pain education (understanding pain mechanisms)
Cognitive restructuring (challenging negative thoughts)
Graded exposure therapy (reducing fear of movement)
Relaxation techniques (breathing, mindfulness)
Q: What is the role of mindfulness meditation in pain management?
A: It helps reduce pain perception by improving focus on the present moment and reducing emotional reactivity.
Q: What is the difference between joint mobilization and manipulation?
Mobilization: Slow, controlled oscillatory movements within joint range.
Manipulation: High-velocity, low-amplitude thrust beyond the passive range.
Q: What is the purpose of traction in pain rehab?
A: To decompress spinal structures, relieve nerve root irritation, and improve joint mobility.
Q: What are contraindications for spinal manipulation?
Vertebral artery insufficiency
Acute fracture
Joint instability (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Severe osteoporosis
Q: What is the role of cervical deep neck flexor training in chronic neck pain?
A: Strengthening the longus colli and longus capitis improves cervical stability and reduces pain.
Q: How does progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) help in pain management?
A: It reduces muscle tension and stress by systematically contracting and relaxing different muscle groups.
Q: What are progressions of core stabilization exercises for chronic low back pain?
Isometric activation (e.g., drawing-in maneuver)
Quadruped exercises (bird-dog)
Unstable surface training (Swiss ball exercises)
Functional movement training (lifting, squatting)
Q: What are effective self-care strategies for chronic pain?
Heat or ice application
Massage therapy
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Hydrotherapy (water-based exercises)