Why Do We Experience Pain

Pain – Why Do We Experience it?

Pain is a process that involves lightning-quick communication between our nerves and brain. It is usually an indication that something in our bodies is damaged. When something is wrong, it is communicated directly to the brain. The brain then interprets the pain and sends it right back to the affected area.  The brain’s interpretation of the signals it receives determines the severity of the pain. This explains why some of us are more pain-sensitive than others.

Acute & Chronic Pain

There are two main types of pain, acute and chronic. The severity of both these forms of pain can range from mild to severe. Acute pain typically stems from a singular event such as a broken ankle, car accident, a slip, and fall, etc. In a majority of instances, this pain, when treated correctly, will last a specific duration of time prior to going away (if treated and rehabilitated properly). However, if poorly managed, acute pain can develop into chronic pain.

Chronic pain is more persistent and can develop over a longer period of time. This type of pain can stem from a variety of different things. Repetitive motions, poor posture, overuse, and aging can all be contributors to the development of chronic pain. Injuries commonly associated with chronic pain include muscle strains, tendonitis, joint sprains, and chronic inflammation. Similar to how it develops, it also can take a long time to fully heal. In many instances, it is necessary to alter some aspect of our lifestyle to prevent the pain from continuing to trend in the wrong direction.

Things to Consider

• How are you recovering? – If you are an active person and or your job requires a certain degree of physical activity, are you spending the necessary amount of time to make sure your body recovers? This can come in the form of stretching, foam rolling, ice & heat, and sleep. All of these activities help the body repair damaged tissues and promote healthy blood flow into the area.
• Are you getting enough sleep? – Everyone is different but, it is safe to assume most people need roughly 8 hours of sleep on a per night basis. This is when muscle tissues are most effectively repaired and experience the highest rate of growth. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of injury
• Are you moving enough? – Believe it or not, the source of chronic pain can come from a lack of movement. Sitting all day at a desk or on the couch can lead to poor posture, poor body mechanics, stiff joints, and tight muscles. Simply stretching twice a day for 15 minutes and making sure you are taking frequent breaks can help combat pain associated with lack of movement