Is it good or bad? Well, I’d argue that it’s both.

Pain is a very popular subject in the US. In fact, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that has made some people a great fortune and caused others nothing but misery. The intention of this post is not to complain about this industry, may that be warranted, so maybe we’ll just save that for another time.

With this post, I’d like to discuss the way that I explain pain to my patients. I’ve had this conversation with thousands of people during my career and feel that it’s a key “building block” towards the foundation of recovery from nearly any musculoskeletal injury including those that result in “chronic pain.” Gaining a better understanding of pain, and it’s purpose, is a key first step in eliminating or managing this sensation.

You see, that’s the basis of what pain is, a sensation. Throughout your body are nerves. These nerve tissues have sensors that are responsible for different sensations such as hot/cold, itchiness, tingling, or (you guessed it) “ouch.” I like to think of pain as our body’s alarm system. It’s there to let you know that something is wrong, or that something needs to be done. For example, what happens if you accidentally place your hand on or just near a scalding hot eye on the stove? Well, if your nervous system is working correctly, you exclaim and jerk your hand away as quickly as possible. In this situation, is pain a good thing or a bad thing? It’s both, bad because it hurts like Hades, but good because it prevented you from having third degree burns and a potential life-altering injury. Had that pain sensation been “blocked” or absent, serious injury would’ve occurred. Think of it this way, if your house was on fire and all you did was turn off the alarm, your house would burn down. No, you’re house would burn down, just a little quieter.

Simply put, only treating the pain is missing much of the point. Yes, there are definitely benefits addressing the pain, but if that’s all you’re doing, then you’re inevitably making yourself worse in many situations.

Don’t just turn off the alarm. Find someone who can help you get to the root of your issue. Fight the fire! Listen to your pain, figure out what it’s trying to tell you. To address the underlying cause of the pain is to address the pain itself.

They’re aren’t productive shortcuts, and there isn’t a “magic pill.” Resolve your pain by addressing your body through targeted movement and exercise. Feed your body well. Rest soundly.

Help your body help you!

-R. Jared Cooper, PT, DPT