Pain is an unpleasant sensation and emotional experience that links to tissue damage. It allows the body to react and prevent further tissue damage. We feel pain when a signal travels through nerve fibers to the brain for interpretation Pain can bring about other physical symptoms, like nausea, dizziness, weakness or drowsiness. It can cause emotional effects like anger, depression, mood swings or irritability. Perhaps most significantly, it can change your lifestyle and impact your job, relationships and independence. Pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually severe and short-lived, and is often a signal that your body has been injured. Chronic pain can range from mild to severe, is present for long periods of time, and is often the result of a disease that may require ongoing treatment. Good communication with your health care provider is vital to getting the help you need to live well in spite of your pain. There are some signs and symptoms you may exhibit if you are in pain that can clue your healthcare provider: • Facial grimacing or a frown • Writhing or constant shifting in bed • Moaning, groaning, or whimpering • Restlessness and agitation • Appearing uneasy and tense, perhaps drawing their legs up or kicking • Guarding the area of pain or withdrawing from touch to that area The more symptoms you have the more intense they appear to be. If your pain in a long-term occurrence keep a record of it and note the differences, it will help explaining to your healthcare provider.
