Pain Clinic

Pain is a multifaceted, unpleasant subjective experience having sensory, emotional, and social aspects. Depending on their individual experiences, each person interprets the messages that pain sends to their brain in a unique way. Our body typically uses pain as a signal, or “red flag”, that something is wrong. Occasionally, this warning system “breaks down” and “sounds the alarm” for no reason at all, or at least not for a good reason, while the overstimulated nerves continue to send pain signals to our brains.

Pain can be divided into categories, depending on the mechanism involved (nociceptive pain or neuropathic pain), pain duration (acute or chronic), or even the body part affected. Neuropathic pain is the result of organ failure or dysfunction of the nervous tissue. It has a distinct clinical presentation and its own pathophysiological mechanisms that make it a separate disease entity. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months and often has no relation to its underlying cause.

Pain itself is a stand-alone problem. It frequently affects one’s capacity to work, have fun, or even care for themselves. It is not unusual for chronic pain patients to quit their job, and this causes them to face financial difficulties. If left untreated, or if no pain relief therapy is available and/or accessible, such individuals tend to become introverted and depressed over time. They cling to their family, friends, or caregivers, and this is a mindset that exacerbates their social isolation and sense of loneliness.