Pain - symptoms, description and treatment

• Physical sensation such as stinging, cramping, burning.
• Limited mobility.
• Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure.
• Swelling and redness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Behavioural changes.

Hurting means discomfort and unpleasant sensation. It is individual and subjective, which means that it can manifest itself differently in each person.

Acute pain (short-term) is the body’s reaction to a sudden stimulus and is usually sharp and intense. It can last for several minutes or days. Acute does not last more than a few weeks. It will subside the moment its cause is resolved or cured.^[3]

Chronic pain (long-term) lasts longer than 12 weeks. It can persist or return repeatedly for several years despite treatment or care^[4].

• Chronic pain management that combines different treatments can usually reduce soreness by 30%.^[11]
• Physical activity helps with soreness by releasing endorphins (hormones that induce a feeling of well-being and relieve it).^[12]
• In Western countries, up to 25% of the adult population reports chronic pain.^[13]   

Not treating soreness can lead to a number of complications.

• Acute pain that is not treated can become chronic.
• Long-term pain may lead to weakening of the muscles.
• Chronic pain can have a significant impact on mental health.
• If it is only mitigated by medication, it may lead to addiction in some cases.

Pain treatment depends primarily on its origin. However, the cause may not always be obvious, which is why doctors commonly combine different methods of therapy. If the chronic cause cannot be discovered or resolved, treatment focuses on alleviating it and promoting quality of life. When treating soreness, the psychological state must also be taken into account, as anxiety, stress or depression can exacerbate chronic pain.

Therapy often uses:

• medicaments,
• regimen measures,
• various types of therapy.

The most commonly used drugs are anticonvulsants (known as antiepileptics), which work well for chronic pain, anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics, and strong analgesics (opioids). Corticosteroids and muscle relaxants are also used. Doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants. Sedatives are used for concomitant sleep disorders or anxiety. Another option is medical cannabis. When taking medication for a long time, it is necessary to take into account possible side effects and interactions with other medications taken.^[14]

Four basic regimen measures play an important role in treatment.

• Try to minimize stress. There are various meditation techniques or breathing exercises.
• Seek activity. Low-impact activities such as walking or swimming can reduce their intensity.
• Eat healthily. A balanced diet with plenty of foods that reduce inflammation contributes to the body’s recovery.
• Mind a good night’s sleep. Without enough quality sleep, the body reacts less well to various stimuli.^[15]

Treatment is often a vicious circle. Sorness brings limitations in working life and in normal daily activities, which often leads to the development of depressive disorders and sleep disturbances. Such a condition in itself worsens the perception of soreness and the patient thus falls into an unpleasant spiral.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy can teach patients how to manage soreness.
• Psychological counselling is particularly effective for soreness that has no organic cause.
• In occupational therapy, patients learn how to perform normal activities correctly without aggravating their pain.
• Physiotherapy promotes mobility, flexibility and muscular strength and contributes to the well-being of the musculoskeletal and nervous system through various methods.^[16]

Alternative treatments can provide pain relief when combined with the other treatments mentioned above. Although they do not reveal the cause, they have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of patients with chronic pain.

Pain – alternative treatment options:

• According to the latest findings, acupuncture can relieve lower back sche and arthritic joint pain in particular.
• Massages have a short-term effect, but they bring relief and have a relaxing effect.^[17]
• Aromatherapy uses essential oils and their positive effects on the body and mood. They are used in massages, baths or inhalation.
• There are various psychological practices aimed at understanding one’s own body, calming down or practising correct breathing.^[18]

Chronic pain is often associated with diseases, the occurrence of which can be minimized by appropriate prevention. Preventive measures can therefore be considered to include:

• the right weight without being overweight or obese,
• reducing or stopping smoking,
• regular physical activity,
• adherence to ergonomic principles at work and in leisure time,
• mental health care.

As part of self-treatment and the search for appropriate relief, it is possible to try various stretching exercises, cold or warm compresses and individual relaxation techniques.^[19]

Lifestyle changes can be a major breakthrough in your current treatment. It is worth taking equal care of the body and mind, as the two are strongly intertwined in chronic pain.

• Don’t forget the basics such as quality sleep, rest from work and positive thinking.
• Don’t try to get all your responsibilities done at all times and try to prioritise.
• Alcohol is not a good way to relieve pain; on the contrary, it can aggravate it and cause further problems.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are proven to be beneficial for the body. A nutritional therapist can help with specific dietary changes, a physiotherapist or personal trainer can help with appropriate exercise.^[20],[21]