Pain is a sensation created by the nervous system to alert the brain of a problem or injury to an area. Pain can be good thing when it prevents further damage. However, for some people, pain can become chronic. Chronic pain can lead to feelings of fear, depression and anxiety. These feelings may in turn cause changes in the body that create more pain. To help break the cycle, it is important to have the cause of any pain properly diagnosed and to learn about the role that anxiety plays in managing pain.
Introduction
Processing pain is a complex reaction in the body that involves the nervous system and various chemicals. At the ends of some of the nerves in the body there are special receptors called nociceptors, which are designed to detect injury. If a problem exists, these receptors send signals up through the spinal cord and to the brain to initiate a response.
Within the spinal cord, there are specialized cells that filter pain messages and either send them through to the brain, delay them or block them altogether. In cases of severe pain or injury, the messages are sent immediately. In other cases these cells may decide to dull or even block the messages from reaching the brain.
When the brain receives pain signals, it interprets them and decides how to best respond. Adding to the complexity of this process, at any time the nerve cells or the brain may release additional chemicals that either intensify or dull the pain signals. Sometimes, this system can malfunction and create pain signals when there is no injury, or cause sensations of pain that may be more intense than an injury would normally cause.
According to the Mayo Clinic, along with all of the above, an individual's memories, upbringing, social environment, beliefs, age and other factors can contribute to the actual sensation of pain.
Types
Pain can be acute or chronic and both can cause and be affected by anxiety. Pain can be sharp, dull, burning, come and go or be constant. Everyone experiences pain differently and there is no test that can determine how much pain a person is in, states the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Pain can even occur in the absence of any apparent injury or illness and in some cases, its cause may never be determined.
When pain becomes chronic whether the cause is diagnosed or not, the goal of treatment is aimed at managing the pain. In most cases, this is a multidisciplinary approach. There is often a trial and error period where each patient must experiment with several techniques to find the best solution given his individual situation. There are many Western medicine approaches and complementary therapies that can be used together. However, part of this approach needs to include finding healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Considerations
Anxiety can be a helpful emotion in cases where there is a threat or danger present. It makes a person aware of her surroundings in order to stay safe. In most cases, it is a healthy response. At other times it can create symptoms.
Feeling anxious can be problematic if it occurs on a regular basis, and this can happen when in acute or chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience in December of 2001 claims that anxiety increased the sensitivity and response of nociceptors. This reaction occurred whether pain was present or there was only a perception that pain would occur.
It appeared that when patients felt anxious and experienced pain at the same time, the brain reacted by preparing for the worst possible outcome and over-activated the nervous system. This means that the body may respond to pain more aggressively and the pain may be perceived as more intense during periods of anxiety.
Warning
Sometimes, anxiety becomes a disorder in itself. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America claims that chronic pain may help a physician in diagnosing an anxiety disorder, as pain is a common symptom in people with these conditions.
Common conditions where chronic pain and anxiety coexist include arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines and back pain. Anxiety disorders may lead to a lower tolerance for pain. Diagnosing and treating coexisting conditions is often challenging. Having an anxiety disorder may lead to feelings of fear about the pain and any treatment options being offered. When both of these conditions occur together, it is necessary to treat both the anxiety disorder and the pain. This may involve medications, behavioral therapy, counseling, exercise and complementary therapies.
Solution
The treatment of pain and anxiety that coexist is determined by the cause of the pain and whether there is an actual anxiety disorder present. The first step is to talk with a health care provider about any symptoms present and any feelings or emotions that are occurring.
Diseases and disorders causing pain and anxiety need to be addressed first. Along with this, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends identifying situations that cause anxiety and finding healthy ways to deal with them. Getting plenty of rest, regular exercise and learning a meditation or relaxation technique also will help. Joining a support group and connecting with others who are living with the same issues can provide information on effective coping skills.
References
- Mayo Clinic: How You Feel Pain
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Pain: Hope Through Research
- Journal of Neuroscience: Exacerbation of Pain by Anxiety
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Chronic Pain
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Anxiety and Panic: Gaining Control Over How You're Feeling
