Pain syndromes

What is Pain Syndrome

Painisthe most common reason why we seek medical help. When it continues for a longer period of time it causes stress, anxiety anddepression in people. Pain syndrome can lead to a serious disturbance in the quality of life, in some severe cases it can lead to the development of insomnia, people mayevenbe unable to perform their daily tasks and lose social contacts. Pain treatment is a complex process, and can include medication, exercises, specific techniques and psychological support.

The pain is acute (short-term) and chronic(long-term). Short-term pain is associated with tissue trauma and may last from 3 to 6months. Possible causes for it are surgical intervention, giving birth, injuries and so on. It is recommended these types of pain to be treated in time, otherwise they may become chronic.

Chronic pain in turn may occur as a result ofdiseases such as arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases, migraine, back pain, cancer, and others.  Diseases of the digestive system (peptic ulcer, gastritis, pancreatitis, chronic constipation, invagination), diseases of the endocrine system, metabolism, diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as infectious and parasitic diseases can also cause pain. In this type of pain it is not static, but on the contrary: it can change its intensity and location.Typically, the affected areas are sensitive to touch.

Pain syndrome is amultimodal condition. Pain may be defined as unpleasant emotional or sensory experiences that are associated with potential or actual tissue damage. It includes multiple symptoms that are specific, for example,pain may have a protective function due to the tissue damage that causes it, but can also be psychosomatic.

There are many different symptoms. For example, in case of increased pain sensitivity in the rectal and genital area, patients feel pain as a result ofpainlessstimuli. The condition may also be caused by injuries of thespinal cord and the cerebrum, compression of the nerve of the sexual organs, compression of peripheral nerves and so on.

Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized bysoft tissue inflammations and muscle pain. This condition can be caused by excessive exercise, muscle trauma, repetitive movements, etc.

The pain syndrome denotes a condition where a person experiences complex pain for a long time. If, for example, it is joints-related, it may cause a feeling of pain in the hands and feet, a sense of swelling in the limbs which is virtually non-existent, disturbed sleep, headaches, easy fatigue, etc.

In case of pelvic syndrome, the pain in the pelvis is accompanied by difficulty in urinating, testicular pain, possibly in the penis, decreased libido, and so on. This can happen without tests detecting any inflammation or bacteria.

Pain syndrome may occur for various reasons – neurological or psychological disorders, muscular or skeletal problems, issues of the urinary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular system, etc. It is no accident that the medical term here is disturbances – in practice, there is no serious damage to an organ or disease to a particular body system. It is important to explain this to the patient and his relatives to reduce anxiety.  

According to some specialists, chronic pain syndrome can established if complex pain lasts more than half a year. Others, however, consider a "threshold" of 3 months.

In any case, however, due to their "stubbornness", the symptoms are detrimental to human health, causing great anxiety and possibly leading to depression as well as various disabilities.

The severity of pain syndrome manifestations depends on age, specifics of the particular body, as well as one’s general condition. Pain may be superficial or felt in depth.

Depending on the disturbances that led to the syndrome, it may occur at different ages. Joint syndrome, for example, affects mainly the elderly, occurs in young people, rarely in young children. There are, however, cases where pain syndrome on a different basis is common in small children.

Ayurveda's Comprehensive Approach

The complex manifestations and symptoms of the pain syndrome require a complex, multidisciplinary approach to treatment. This fully complies with the principles of Ayurveda and the treatment methods applied by it. As has been known, this millennium-applied medicine restores human optimal health in its entirety.

It is not limited to only removing the specific symptoms associated with individual systems. By restoring the energy balance in the body, it also restores the normal functioning of all organs. This removes the basis for the appearance and existence of various disorders and illnesses.

Of course, overall treatment includes urgent removal of pain as well. This is also achieved through a comprehensive approach. Herbs and spices are used in food combined with affusion of various healing oils with deep skin penetration capabilities and massage, as well as an internal intake of oils and herbs.

The diet often includes red chili pepper which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Used in ointments, it muffles the pain signals transmitted to the brain. The turmeric which is widely used Eastern cuisine, is also anti-inflammatory. It is often combined with chili pepper.

Ginger, Indian incense, and many others also have pain-relieving effect through their anti-inflammatory action.

Ayurveda also applies pain-relieving massages for the different body parts, influencing the marma points. These are sensitive areas, whose basic number is 107. Massages are usually combined with herbs rubbing or oils affusion.

Often, depending on the necessity different herbs are boiled in the oils to boost the desired effect. Ksheerabala Thailam for example has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is used in cases of headache, insomnia, joint pain, etc.

Pain is also relieved by Karpooradi Thailam, with the oil possessing antiseptic capabilities. It is widely used among sportspeople due to their often injuries and the effects on the skeletal system.