Psychological aspect of pain Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the primary purpose of pain?
To protect us from harm by acting as an alarm system.
What determines whether, why, how much, or how long we feel pain?
range of factors including context, memory, emotion, and expectations.
How was pain traditionally viewed?
As a direct result of tissue damage with a simple cause-effect relationship.
What is the modern understanding of pain based on?
The pain matrix – a network of brain regions integrating multiple inputs before generating the experience of pain.
How does the pain matrix explain inconsistent pain experiences?
It shows that pain perception varies based on brain processing, not just physical injury.
How does context influence pain perception?
The brain considers environmental cues and previous experiences to decide whether to generate pain.
What psychological factors affect the brain’s decision to signal pain?
Memory, expectation, and emotion.
Give an example of how memory and context affect pain perception.
A person injured by a needle on the beach may feel intense pain from a scratch, while a surfer might ignore it.
What is an example of pain protecting before injury?
Pain can start in anticipation of injury to stop further harm, like avoiding movement.
Describe how pain works in the case of a man with a nail in his boot vs. a bullet in his neck.
Pain is not always proportional to injury – it depends on how the brain interprets threat.
What is acute pain?
Pain that typically resolves within 3–6 months, often linked to tissue damage.
What defines chronic pain?
Pain persisting beyond 3–6 months, often after tissues have healed.
Why does chronic pain persist after tissue healing?
The brain may mistakenly associate pain with movement or context, continuing to trigger pain.
How does conditioning contribute to chronic pain?
The brain learns to associate movement with pain and continues this response even after healing.
Why can rest worsen chronic pain?
Prolonged avoidance reinforces the brain’s association between movement and pain.
How can early MRI for back pain contribute to chronic pain?
It may increase worry and the belief that something is seriously wrong, reinforcing pain behaviors.
How does patient expectation affect pain outcomes?
Negative expectations can heighten perceived pain and delay recovery.
What is the outcome of surgery for chronic pain?
Generally poor; sometimes worse than placebo.
Why is surgery ineffective for chronic pain?
Because the issue is often in the brain’s processing, not the tissues.
What are the NICE-recommended treatments for chronic pain?
No analgesics
Exercise groups
Pain management programs
Psychological therapies
Acupuncture
Antidepressants
What lifestyle aspects should be assessed in chronic pain?
social activities, family, friendships, and work.
What comorbidities should be screened for in chronic pain?
Depression, anxiety, substance use, suicidal thoughts.
What is CBT’s role in chronic pain?
Helps patients develop coping strategies, restructure negative thoughts, and reduce suffering.
What are key CBT techniques for pain?
Pacing, relaxation, thought diversion, cognitive restructuring.
