From October 21 to 27, this year marks China’s Pain Awareness Week. How should we accurately describe pain? Dr. Chen Hualun, the head of the Pain Management Department at Shapingba Hospital affiliated with Chongqing University, shared insights on this topic on October 23.

Dr. Chen explained that different types of pain might indicate different underlying causes. For instance, a sharp, stabbing pain could be associated with nerve damage, while a dull ache might signal muscle strain or joint inflammation. To narrow down the diagnosis and create a more targeted treatment plan, it’s essential for doctors to gather detailed information about the pain’s nature, location, intensity, and duration.

When patients visit a hospital, how can they effectively categorize and communicate their pain to the doctor? Dr. Chen outlined six common types of pain:

1. Sharp pain, which strikes suddenly like a cut or a stab, is often related to nerve damage or acute inflammation.
2. Dull pain feels like a heavy pressure and tends to last longer, commonly seen in muscle strains or chronic inflammation.
3. Radiating pain spreads like electricity from one area to another and is frequently associated with sciatica or pain caused by shingles.
4. Localized pain is confined to a specific area of the body.
5. Intermittent pain comes and goes, often following a certain pattern.
6. Persistent pain occurs almost continuously and can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.

Additionally, there is activity-related pain that intensifies with specific movements or postures. For example, shoulder pain may worsen when raising the arm or rotating the shoulder, while knee pain can be aggravated by climbing or descending stairs.

“Not all pain requires analgesic treatment,” Dr. Chen noted. “Pain caused by temporary fatigue or emotional distress can often be alleviated through rest or talking it out.” He emphasized that once pain exceeds what the body can handle, it is crucial to seek professional treatment to prevent further complications. Some painful areas might signal underlying health issues that need immediate attention.

Dr. Chen also explained that mild pain can be tolerable and may not disrupt daily life or sleep. In contrast, moderate pain can be quite noticeable and might lead to shallow sleep or frequent awakenings. Severe pain, on the other hand, is characterized by intense discomfort that can seriously affect sleep and may include symptoms such as sharp, stabbing, or pressure-like sensations.

“Patients can rate their pain based on their personal experience, which helps doctors better understand the severity and tailor an appropriate treatment plan,” he added. Dr. Chen also highlighted that the presence of additional symptoms like fever, swelling, or numbness can be crucial diagnostic clues.