PHYSICAL

SYMPTIONS:
PAIN AND
DISCOMFORT
PRESENTED BY
MUJTABA
ATTIYA
MOMINA
LAIBA
FATIMA
 WHAT IS PAIN?
Definition
Pain provides constant feedback about our bodies. It often works as a
warning sign that something is wrong in our bodies

● It increases protective behaviourand also triggers help seeking behaviour

(eg Visiting a doctor or medications)

● Pain also does have psychological consequences and can generate fear and
anxiety. On the other hand some pains may be without any known physical or
psychological reasons.
TYPES OF PAIN
ACUTE PAIN: The pain that lasts for less then 6 months(eg a broken leg,
headache etc)
CHRONIC PAIN:The pain that lasts for longer then 6 months. (eg pains of
spinal cord)

DESCRIPTION OF PAIN BY EARLY MODELS:

● Damaged tissues cause sensation of pain.
● Psychology is involved in these models only as consequence of pain
● Pain is an automatic response to the external environment.
● The sensation of pain has a single cause
 Nociceptive pain
* Due to injury or tissue damage

CAUSES
* Activates pain receptors known as nociceptive
pain which sends signals to the brain
* It is a defense system which warns the body
Inflammation
* Tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis
* Chain reaction of immune responses releases
inflammatory mediators.
* It increases pain sensitivity and sensitizes pain
receptors
Neuropathic pain
* Disorders like multiple sclerosis, diabetic
neuropathy
* Occurs from damage or dysfunction of the
nervous system
* Normal nerve signals can be disrupted which
causes sensations like burning,
tingling and shooting pains.
CAUSES....
Underlying health conditions
* Illnesses like infections, cancer, organ diseases and chronic conditions like endometriosis,
Irritable bowel syndrome etc.
* These illnesses and medical problems manifest as pain
* In these cases, changes in pain processing pathways and direct tissue damage are
few possible causes of pain Psychosocial factors
* Pain perception is impacted by psychological factors as well.
* Also known as psychosomatic pain, trauma, stress and other mental health issues
can impact our pain perception which exaggerates the pain.
* Backaches, headaches and frequent stomach issues
Muscle tension and environmental factors
* Caused by strained muscles, bad posture or musculoskeletal imbalances.
* Presents itself as stiffness, soreness or tension headaches
* Pain can also be aggravated by environmental conditions such as exposure to harsh
temperatures or chemicals in the environment
 COPING
STRATEGIES

Breathing exercises: Practice deep breathing through your nose and out through your mouth or

nose.

Physical activities: Work with a physical therapist and engage in gentle exercises like yoga,

stretching, walking, or swimming.

Pleasurable activities: Participate in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Mindfulness: Practice reflection and focus on the present moment without judgment.

Pacing and goal setting: Set realistic goals and take breaks during challenging tasks.

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 COPING STRATEGIES
Healthy sleep habits: Maintain consistent bed and wake times, and create a
relaxing bedtime routine.
Avoiding unnecessary substances: Steer clear of non-prescribed drugs, limit
caffeine and processed foods, and minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.
Social support: Stay connected with your loved ones and seek help from your
support network.
Treating related conditions: Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a
licensed mental health professional to address mental health concerns.
TREATMENT
➢ Physical treatments - target the underlying
cause of pain, such as inflammation, injury, or nerve damage.
These include:
* Interventional Procedures
* Regenerative Medicine
* Pharmacological Adjuncts
* Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
* Rehabilitative Services
* Palliative Care
* Surgical Interventionst
➢ Psychological treatments - focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of pain.
These include:
* Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
* Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
* Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
* Hypnosis
* Biofeedback
* Graded Motor Imagery (GMI)
* Placebo Effect

➢ Emerging treatments - These are therapies, procedures, or technologies that are in the
early stages of development or research but show
promise for treating a particular condition.
These include:
* Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy
* Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
* Biophysical Therapies
* Genetic Therapy
* Advanced Imaging Techniques for Targeted Drug Delivery
* Cannabinoid-based Therapies
* Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
* Nanotechnology-based Therapiest
 Management
Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you are experiencing persistent or severe pain and discomfort, it is important to consult a healthcare professional
for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen,
ibuprofen, or naproxen can help alleviate mild to moderate pain.
For severe pain, prescription medications may be necessary.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help manage pain and discomfort by
improving mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat packs or cold compresses to the affected
area can help reduce pain and inflammation..
 Massage Therapy
Different types of massage techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage or
trigger point therapy may be beneficial depending on the source of pain.
Mind-Body Techniques
Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and progressive muscle
relaxation can help manage pain by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving
overall well-being
Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture,
staying active, and getting adequate rest can help reduce the frequency and intensity of
pain and discomfort.
Psychological Support
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on mental health. Seeking support from a
counselor, therapist, or support group can help address thet
thankyou