Understanding Pain

Pain is a protective response to what our brain judges to be a threatening situation. However, over time, pain can become overprotective and oversensitive. This means that to keep us safe, our brain may cause us to experience pain when it is not needed. 

1 in 5 Canadians experience chronic pain. Persistent pain can significantly impact the quality of life through an increased dependency on others, the loss of life roles, and challenges in participating in meaningful activities. 

How can understanding pain help? 

• Less fear of pain

• Engage in more activities and live a full life 

• Better understand your symptoms and strategies to manage pain 

What can influence pain? 

• Things you do - pushing through pain or avoiding activity 

• Beliefs, memories, expectations, and thoughts about pain

• Traumatic experiences - 75% of people receiving therapy for PTSD also experience chronic pain 

• Stress, depression, anxiety, and fatigue

• Places you go - triggers in our environment  

• Lack of social support or relationship conflicts 

How can Occupational Therapy help with managing pain? 

• Pain education 

• Self-management strategies

• Recognizing patterns, identifying triggers, and alleviating factors

• Adapting activities and the home environment 

• Pacing strategies

• Sleep strategies 

• Relaxation skills 

• Mindfulness 

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy to cope with thoughts and emotions.
  
  
  If you experience pain and are interested in receiving services to better manage it, reach out to Holistic Annex.