The Nature of Pain

Treatment of Acute Pain:

Pain is an unpleasant sensation localized or diffused discomfort, stress, or agony, which may arise stimulation of specialized nerve endings. It is a complex subjective phenomenon, alerting real or potential tissue damage. The definition of pain originates from the Latin word “peona,” or from the Greek word “algos,’ or “odyne.” Both suggest a “punishment or suffering” in modem languages.

Pain can also be considered as a defense mechanism, because it may serve as a protective mechanism to remove or withdraw the area of the body under stimulation or insult, whether physical, mechanical, or chemical in nature. Pain can be classified as acute or chronic. In general, acute pain is the symptoms of a disease where as chronic pain is a disease in itself. With adequate and effective therapy, the acute pain resolves in days or weeks.

Any harmful stimulus is likely to procedure a cellular brake down and a subsequent release of biochemical substances. Such substances, in turn, activate specialized sensory receptors called “nociceptors”.Nociceptors send nerve signals to the spinal cord and brain indicating pain and harm to the body. Acute and chronic can be nociceptive, neuropathic or psychogenic.

Most nociceptive pains may arise from pressure, inflammation or ischemia like those related to trauma, surgery, infection, cancer, blood clots , etc. Neuropathic pains always arise from nerves that have been damaged. Herpes, viral infections, nerve entrapment, diabetes, facial pain, pinched nerves, or complex regional pain syndrome can cause this damage. Psychogenic pain is associated with psychological disorders. The most common example is phantom limb syndrome. This is mostly seen in amputees who believe they have pain in a limb that is no longer present. Certain pain conditions like those appearing after spinal surgeries, atypical facial pain, chronic pelvic pain, and diffuse pain conditions like fibromyalgia are very difficult to classify.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is considered debilitating, persistent pain that extends more than three months, long after the signs or symptoms of acute pain, such as an open wound, inflammation, redness and discoloration of skin, are no longer present or have resolved. It is a vicious persistence of suffering that affects the psychological, social and occupational life. In other words, chronic pain is a disease and not simply a symptom.

Today, consideration for the relief of pain is one of the most important issues in medical care. Acute and chronic pain afflicts millions of persons around the world annually, impairing quality of life and daily functions at home, at school, and at work. In the U.S. alone, recent statistics indicated that 15-20% of the population have acute pain and from 25-30% have chronic pain. Of those people with chronic pain , from 5075% are either partially or tot ally disabled for a period of days, weeks, months or years and even some are disabled permanently.

DR. Julio C. Gonzalez
At Braner Pain Clinics, Dr.Gonzales is a Clinical Neurologist trained at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He has a private practice in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland since ending his training in 1981. In 1990 he became interested in Chronic Pain Medicine and opened Pain Clinics in Falls Church and Silver Spring.

Braner Pain Clinics specializes in chronic pain management, neurology, neurological testing and disability as well as providing long-term care to patients with chronic neurological disorders. Our multi-disciplinary team leads the region in treating acute and chronic pain with advanced, non-surgical treatment approaches that can help you reclaim your quality of life.Our approach has helped us earn a respected reputation for reliable, effective results on behalf of the many patients who come to us seeking relief. For professional help to control your pain, a medical evaluation after an accident, or an expert court witness,  Please make an appointment by calling and visit our website:-  http://www.branerpainclinic.com