Pain, sensations and functions of our body are all determined by the nervous system. This consists of the brain, spinal cord and the nerves that branch off from them. These nerves go to every part of your body. This system is responsible for everything your body does.
People experience pain when nerves called "nociceptors" detect tissue damage and dysfunction. They then send signals back up the spinal cord and to the brain. The brain has primitive sections that have been with humans since we were created. The brain will see any stress, damage or malfunction as "dangerous". When this happens, the brain will then transmit these pain signals to the area involved.
This type of pain is when we first injure ourselves. It is an emergency response to damage. This pain is normally intense and short-lived. This will start our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to kick in. Our heartbeat increases and breathing will become more rapid.
Treatment for acute pain if you see a medical doctor will normally be anti-inflammatory or pain drugs.
This type of pain lasts far longer than acute pain. It is harder to heal and can become an on and off again type of pain. It can be mild, moderate or severe. It can happen sporadically or be a constant pain. An example would be a headache. Sometimes it may be weeks without having one and other times they may happen everyday. It really depends on how much stress you are under and if your body can handle it.
If enough acute pain occurs, a buildup of electrical signals in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) become over stimulated and inflamed leading to long term issues.
This effect is known as “windup,” just like a wind-up toy. If you wind up a toy as far as it can be wound up, it will go faster and last longer. That is the same with chronic pain.
Chronic pain can be treated with drugs but in most cases medical doctors will refer out for longer term solutions. That is where chiropractic comes in. We can help with acute and chronic pain by helping the nervous system restore and heal by relieving the stress and strain on the area involved. Even in cases of chronic visceral or organ pain.
Some people can not verbally express that they are in pain but there are signs that show that someone is experiencing discomfort.
With adequate pain management and keeping your body healthy, you will be able to get back to living a quality life. Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is an expert at helping patients alleviate pain and restore proper function to the body. Contact us today!
References:
https://www.webmd.com/brain/nerve-pain-and-nerve-damage-symptoms-and-causes
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