Chronic Pain

Pain
An unpleasant, distressing, or nauseating
feeling, whether emotionally or through the
senses
May or may not be associated with current
tissue damage
Pain level is result of the brain’s reaction to
the pain signal, not the strength of the signal
or extent of damage

Biopsychological Process
When injured, the body sends signals to the brain.
The brain interprets these signals, which is then
perceived as pain
With chronic pain, the brain becomes highly
sensitive to these signals, eventually creating
physical changes in the nervous system.
Fear, stress, and a hyper-focus on the pain can
increase pain level.

Therapy Goal
Calm down brain’s perception
Reduce number of pain signals

Interventions
Exercise
Education
Distraction
Relaxation Techniques
Massage
Resources
Talk with your care provider
https://www.iasp-pain.org/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-
pain