Can we forget the pain?

A new study from the University of South Australia shows that, like the motto in the TV show "Survivor", a three-pronged approach to understanding pain can improve the lives of people experiencing chronic pain
.

The study conducted by UniSA PhD candidate and 2021 Australian survivor champion Hayley Leake shows that adults recovering from chronic pain value learning three pain concepts:

1. Pain does not mean my body is damaged

2. Thoughts, emotions, and experiences all affect pain

3. I can retrain my overprotective pain system
   .
   

Leake said these concepts reflect the modern application of the bio-psycho-social model, which is at the core of providing effective interventions to help patients with chronic pain
.

Leake said: “One in five Australians has experienced chronic pain.

"Modern pain science shows that pain is a protective output of the brain against threats
.

"In the last challenge of "Survivor", I stood on a narrow wooden stake for nearly five and a half hours
.

"Using the same model-less threat equals less pain-I am exploring misunderstandings about pain
.

"By redefining the perception of pain, I hope that we can bring positive changes to the lives of those suffering from chronic pain
.

Leake's study used a hybrid approach to explore the value of pain science education among 97 participants
.

The results show that pain science education helps people recover from chronic pain.
By understanding this does not mean that their body is injured; stress and emotions will exacerbate people’s perception of pain; redefining pain as a type of “overprotection” that can be reduced "It's possible
.

Leake said that it is also important to understand the role of pain science education for adolescents, who may be negatively affected by chronic pain
.

"Teenagers report feeling uncertain and anxious about their chronic pain diagnosis; they want more explanations than just a label
.

"When communicating the concept of pain to teenagers, we identified seven learning goals that can help teenagers better understand pain:

1. Pain is the protector

2. The pain system becomes overprotective

3. Pain is the output of the brain

4. Pain is not an accurate indicator of tissue state

5. Everyone’s suffering has many potential causes

6. We are all bioplastics (can adapt to changes)

7. Pain education is treatment
   .
   

Leake said: "Ideally, helping young people realize that pain does not mean tissue or body damage can eliminate the fear of injury again and help them move and start recovering faster
.

"By helping them understand that stress affects pain, they are motivated to solve this problem in their lives
.

Reshaping the perception of pain is the key
.