Definition of pain
Pain has been defined as “an unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage”.
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Physiology of pain
Pain stimulates pain receptors, and this stimulus is transferred via specialized nerves to the spinal cord and from there up to the brain. |
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Types of pain
Pain can be divided, according to the origin and duration of the pain, into three major categories: Acute, Chronic and Labour pain. |
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Assessment of pain
The experience of pain is different for different people. The best person to assess the patient's pain is the patient him or herself. |
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Your guide to understanding pain
Everyone has experienced pain. But how exactly does your body process this sensation? |
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Could you be using the wrong painkillers?
You have a headache, and have already taken four headache tablets, but no luck. You then try two other types – painkillers are painkillers, aren't they? Not so, say the experts. |
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Getting old doesn't have to hurt
Aches and pains are an inevitable part of getting older, right? |
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Pushing pain away
The human body never ceases to amaze. For example, its intricate system of muscles and reflexes are closely linked and work in harmony. |
