Dictionary

acupuncture: Now a part of Western pain therapies, this Chinese practice incorporates fine needles inserted into the skin that are manipulated in the belief that they will activate natural painkilling reactions in the body.

acute pain: Sudden onset pains in any part of the body that may be caused by an injury or other event, including surgery and infection, and is often a distress signal, but very often is temporary in nature.

Alexander Technique: A method of re-training the body to reduce or prevent chronic pain through recognizing poor posture and unnecessary movements and utilizing proper follow through.

algologist: In the field of medicine, an individual who studies pain.

allodynia: Pain that is a result of an irritant that might not normally be associated as a cause, such as rough clothing creating abnormal sensations or normal physical activity, which is known as kinesthetic allodynia.

analgesic: Known as painkillers, these include non-narcotic acetaminophen and the narcotic group of opioids and opiates.

Ayurvedic medicine: An alternative or complementary practice originating in India that focuses on whole-body well-being and may be applicable to prevention and control of pain.

biofeedback: A process of using specific machines to test various muscles and other body parts that can help determine physical therapies for pain management.

Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®): A pure version of botulinum toxin that is now used to reduce facial wrinkles. Some small studies show it can also help treat some types of pain, especially migraines.

breakthrough pain (BTP): A type of chronic pain that is signified by a flare that briefly peaks, then subsides.

breath work: A group of breathing techniques that may be beneficial in relieving pain.

celiac plexus: Abdominal nerve network responsible for relaying pain messages from such organs as the stomach, pancreas and liver.

central nervous system: The brain and spinal cord, acting as a message center that translates signals from other parts of the body.

central pain: A symptomatic pain produced by a central nervous system lesion.

chronic pain: Persistent pain that may be representative of disease or long-term illness and is difficult to treat as many medications may be ineffective.

cordotomy: A procedure to relieve pain involving cutting through spinal cord fibers.

counterirritant: A technique of eliciting an irritating response in one part of the body to reduce the perception of pain in another or nearby part.

Cox-2 inhibitors: A class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that block Cox-2 enzymes only and is currently available generically as celecoxib.

cryoanalgesia: A freezing of the peripheral nerves that can aid in pain relief.

distraction: A learned technique that diverts focus from pain and onto another selected subject.

dysesthesia: Sometimes a component of neuropathic pain with sensations that are odd and described as unpleasant.

endogenous opioids: Naturally occurring compounds produced by the body and also known as endorphins and enkephalins.