LETTERS: Pain is a personal experience. Pain perception varies among different individuals.
Varying degrees of biological, psychological and social factors influence the individual's pain perception.
Although pain usually serves an adaptive role, it may have adverse effects on function as well as social and psychological wellbeing of the individual.
Pain is classified into acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is any pain that lasts for less than three months. Acute pain is sudden in onset and may occur following an injury, trauma, or tissue damage.
Examples of acute pain include post-surgical pain, pain due to an injury, cut or burn, inflammation of an organ of the body (like appendicitis, tonsillitis) and labour pain.
Acute pain is a symptom of the underlying disease and thus a "warning sign". It usually resolves after the tissue heals.
Acute pain, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain. Chronic pain is any pain lasting for more than three months. It persists even after the healing has occurred or without an obvious tissue pathology.
Chronic pain is pain in any part of the body which is felt every day or most of the days for three months or more. Chronic persistent pain has the potential to affect one's life, viz personal, family, work and social life.
However, there are ways to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic pain.
FIRST, acute pain should be managed adequately at its onset. If undertreated or left untreated, acute pain can lead to persistent chronic pain.
The cause of the acute pain should be addressed in managing acute pain appropriately as well.
SECOND, it is important to manage stress. Psychological stress can modulate wound healing processes. Stress can constrict the muscles causing muscle spasm and worsening of the pain. Deep breathing and meditation can help combat stress.
THIRD, good sleep hygiene should be practised to relax and avoid fatigue. The quality as well as the quantity of sleep is important. A good sleep rejuvenates and heals the body.
FOURTH, following a healthy lifestyle including a well-balanced diet and regular light exercises can help prevent pain from becoming chronic.
Non-processed and healthy foods including green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and yogurt which are rich in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, polyphenols, prebiotics, and probiotics have anti-inflammatory effect and help
in reducing pain.
FIFTH, keeping a positive attitude also helps. Catastrophising is a known risk factor for developing chronic pain. Positive attitude is associated with wellbeing and healing.
Behaviour therapy helps to break the cycle of fear and pain. Following the above measures can help overcome the unpleasant sensory and emotional experience of chronic pain.
DR SHIVALI SHAMSHER
Senior lecturer, Anaesthesiology Department, Faculty of Medicine,
AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times