What is Pain

What is pain exactly? We all have suffered pain to various degrees, but what is it and how does it work. Unfortunately, it is a bit complicated to explain to a layperson. Ok, basically pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons. This discomfort signals actual or potential injury to the body. However, pain is really not that simple. It is not just a matter of sensation or the physical awareness of pain. Pain is something that is very subjective and can be interpreted in different ways. Perception plays a major role in the degree of pain felt, it gives us the location, and intensity and can give us something about its nature. Pain can further be defined by emotional response and unconscious responses to both sensation and perception. Look at it this way: if you think it is going to hurt it probably will, you have already subconsciously told your body that what is going to happen is going to hurt and your body will respond to that.

The neurology of pain:
Nerve cells, or neurons, perform many functions in the body. Certain types of neurons are capable of transmitting a pain signal to the brain. These are called nociceptors and pretty much every surface and organ in the body has them. There are several types of nociceptors:
- thermoreceptive - stimulated by temperatures that are potentially dangerous
- mechanoreceptive - respond to a pressure stimulus that may cause injury
- polymodal - most sensitive and can respond to temperature and pressure
- also respond to chemicals released by the cells in the area from which the pain originates

The receptors, are at the front end of pain sensation. When stimulated the nociceptor sends a cascade of neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit information within the nervous system) in the spine. Each of these neurotransmitters has a specific purpose. Neurotransmitters may also stimulate nerves leading back to the site of the injury. This response prompts cells in the injured area to release chemicals that can trigger an immune response (swelling, heat and/or redness),but also influence the intensity and duration of the pain.

For more information on what pain is please visit my blog Massage Basics http://massagebasics.blogspot.com/

Colette Wood is a former Registered Massage Therapist who is suffering from Fibromyalgia and chronic pain. If you wish more information on massage or fibromyalgia please visit my blogs Massage Basics - http://massagebasics.blogspot.com/ or Putting a Face to Fibromyalgia - http://puttingafacetofibromyalgia.blogspot.com/

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