A Closer Look at Pain & Discomfort
Not all pain is created equally. The sensation of pain involves communication between your nerves, spinal cord, and the brain. Depending on the cause of the pain, different areas of the body may be affected. For instance, stabbing pain is often caused by an injury or inflammation. This type of pain is usually localized, meaning that it is only felt in the area where the injury has occurred. Burning pain, on the other hand, is often caused by nerve damage.
Pain is a normal bodily response that lets your brain know something is wrong. It is triggered by stimuli that activates pain receptors in the body, which then send signals to the brain. In the brain, these signals cause chemical changes that result in the perception of pain. Pain serves an important purpose by protecting us from further injury. Chronic pain, for instance, is a type of pain that lasts for months or even years, and can greatly reduce quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help to manage pain and improve quality of life.
PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
Inflammation typically causes pain because the swelling and buildup of tissue starts pressing against nerve endings. This pressure sends pain signals to the brain, causing discomfort. Inflammation is a large component of most pain.
Once the body recognizes damaged cells, irritants, toxins, and pathogens, it initiates this defense system in response to these invaders. When normal levels of inflammation are present there is little threat to health. The problem arises when this response continues beyond the ordinary healing process. Research shows that prolonged inflammation is the foundation of countless health concerns both short and long-term from infections and injuries to signs of aging, neurological changes, mood, and cell damage.
The biochemical process of cytokine release is an important one that helps to protect the body after an injury. Cytokines are proteins that are released as emergency signals, and they help to alert the body's immune system to the injury. The immune system then responds by sending white blood cells and enzymes to the area to help protect it. This process helps to ensure that the body is able to heal quickly and effectively after an injury.
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5 SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION
Redness:
Capillaries in a specific area are filled with more blood than usual, which causes visual signs of redness.
Pain:
The body becomes more sensitive as chemicals that stimulate nerve endings are released.
Swelling:
The build-up of fluid underneath the injury causes swelling.
Immobility:
There could be some loss of function in the affected area.
Redness:
Increased blood flow to the specific area makes it feel warm to the touch.
If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to become more serious conditions. Any noticeable amount of inflammation is worth being addressed and monitored to ensure it is kept under control.
INTERNAL INFLAMMATION
Inflammation on the inside of the body is less easily identifiable but very important. Toxins that are introduced into the body via diet or environment often cause this type of inflammation, which can present itself in a number of ways. Here are just a few:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Soreness
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint Pain
- Stiffness
- Discomfort
- Distress
- Coughing
- Mood Changes