Everyone experiences pain at some point in their life. However, not everyone experiences pain the same way. We all know someone who has a high pain tolerance and someone else who has a low tolerance for pain. But why is that? There are people who spend their entire careers studying pain and how we perceive it. Let’s take a quick look at one model that we can use to help better understand pain.
The biopsychosocial model is commonly applied to chronic pain conditions, but can be used for any type of pain. As it implies, the model divides the experience of pain into biological, psychological, and sociological factors.
Common Biological Factors:
- These include genetic predispositions, anatomical structures, and physiological processes.
- For instance, tissue damage, inflammation, or nerve dysfunction contribute to pain.
Common Psychological Factors:
- Emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and coping mechanisms play a crucial role.
- Anxiety, depression, fear, and catastrophizing can amplify pain perception.
- Positive emotions and resilience may mitigate pain.
Common Social Factors:
- Social support, cultural context, family dynamics, and socioeconomic circumstances impact pain.
- Workplace environment, relationships, and community influence pain experiences.
Patient Empowerment
Understanding the biopsychosocial model of pain empowers patients to take an active role in their pain management. By recognizing the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors, patients can adopt a comprehensive approach to pain relief that goes beyond traditional treatments.
Lamb Chiropractic believes that health and wellness are not defined merely by the absence of pain. Rather, the ability to continue to do the things you love, with the people you care about, through all life’s stages is a key factor in true well-being.
Want to learn more?
Check out the links below or get in touch with our office for more info or to schedule an appointment.
Physiopedia: Biopsychosocial Model https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Biopsychosocial_Model&oldid=342552
Gliedt, J.A., Schneider, M.J., Evans, M.W. et al. The biopsychosocial model and chiropractic: a commentary with recommendations for the chiropractic profession. Chiropr Man Therap 25, 16 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-017-0147-x
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