Determining The Origins of Your Pain

 

Have you been struggling with persistent pain for months or even years, and it’s taking a bigger and bigger toll on your life? For some people with pain, the simplest tasks are now major challenges, and over-the-counter and/or prescription pain meds don’t seem to provide any relief.

 

Unfortunately, this is a common experience for millions of Americans. Recent research has found that over 100 million people suffer from persistent pain each year. This is where Gold Coast Physical Therapy steps in. At GCPT, we understand that pain comes in various forms, affecting people in unique ways. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in pain management, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible. We know that pain can be overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you that there is hope!

 

 

Pain is a complex sensation, and it can be categorized into five main types, each with its own characteristics and underlying mechanisms. Here’s an explanation of these types:

 

Nociceptive Pain: This type of pain results from the stimulation of specialized nerve sensors called nociceptors. Nociceptive pain is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing and is typically localized. It can be acute, like when you accidentally bump your knee, or chronic, as seen in conditions like arthritis.

 

Central Pain: Central pain arises from dysfunctions within the central nervous system (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). Central pain starts inside the central nervous system itself. Examples include fibromyalgia and pain associated with spinal cord injuries.

 

Neuropathic Pain: This pain type is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. It may manifest as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations. It is typically associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve injuries (i.e., sciatica).

 

Psychosocial Pain: Psychosocial pain involves mental and/or social factors influencing pain perception. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social support (or lack thereof) can significantly influence how pain is experienced. It is not directly tied to tissue damage but is due to mental and emotional states.

 

Movement System Pain: This pain is directly related to the biomechanics of movement, such as issues with joint positions or control and/or muscle imbalances. Physical therapists often work with this type of pain, prescribing targeted exercises to correct movement dysfunctions contributing to the discomfort.

 

Regardless of the type of pain you’re dealing with, our therapists will work with you to identify and target the sources of your pain. We’ll use gentle techniques and exercises to address these issues and help you find relief.