7.7: Key Terms

abnormal pain

pain that moves beyond the expected severity and duration and may require additional medical treatment

acupuncture

pain management technique that includes the insertion of thin steel needles into the skin to stimulate specific points throughout the body

acute pain

short-term pain, typically lasting from minutes to up to three to six months

addiction

most severe form of SUD, in which there is continued use of the substance despite negative consequences

adjuvant

(also, coanalgesic) medication that has an independent effect and also additive analgesic properties when administered with opioids

alternative therapy

treatment used in place of pharmacological pain management

analgesic

medication used to prevent or treat pain

animal-assisted therapy

treatment that utilizes animals to reduce pain, anxiety, or depression

aromatherapy

inhalation or dermal application of essential oils

behavioral pain scale (BPS)

tool used to assess and quantify pain in acute sedated ventilated patients in intensive care units (ICUs)

breakthrough pain

sudden increase in pain that lasts for a short time

ceiling effect

point at which the effect of a drug plateaus, so that increasing the dose will not increase the effect

chiropractic therapy

pain management technique that manipulates the spine, joints, and skeletal system

chronic pain

pain lasting longer than six months

coanalgesic

(also, adjuvant) medication that has an independent effect and also additive analgesic properties when administered with opioids

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

psychological treatment in which patients are taught how to manage and cope with pain more effectively by changing their negative thought pattern, identifying and reducing stressors that exacerbate pain perception, and focusing on adapting to pain in situations when pain cannot be eliminated

complementary therapy

treatment used in combination with pharmacological pain management

critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT)

standardized assessment tool used in critical-care settings to evaluate pain in critically ill patients who are unable to communicate their pain

dependence

inability to function without the use of a substance

FACES scale

visual tool for assessing pain with children and others who cannot quantify the severity of their pain on a numerical scale

FLACC scale

pain scale used to assess pain in children between the ages of 2 months and 7 years, as well as those unable to verbally communicate

guided imagery

positive, relaxing images created in the mind

hypnosis

creation of a trance-like state to enhance awareness of feelings, thoughts, and sensations

massage

pain management technique that manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve tension and create relaxation

meditation

practice of breathing and repeating certain words to reduce stress and put the mind at ease

mindfulness

practice of focusing on the present moment to create awareness of thoughts, feelings, the body, and the environment

neuropathic pain

pain caused by damage to nerves or other parts of the nervous system

nociceptive pain

pain caused by damage to body tissue

nociceptor

type of sensory receptor that responds to potentially damaging stimuli by sending nerve signals to the spinal cord and brain

nonopioid

medication that is not an opioid

normal pain

pain of the expected severity and duration, according to its cause

numerical rating scale (NRS)

pain scale that rates pain on a scale of 0 to 10

opioid

class of drug derived from opium, a chemical sourced from poppy plants

opioid use disorder (OUD)

type of SUD caused by a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to physical dependence

pain

uncomfortable or unpleasant sensation that typically signifies injury or illness

pain assessment in advanced dementia (PAINAD) scale

pain scale used to assess pain in patients with advanced dementia

patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

practice of allowing the patient to self-administer opioid medications using a programmed pump

phantom pain

pain perceived to be coming from a missing body part

pharmacological therapy

treatment that involves drugs or medications

physical therapy

manipulation of joints and soft tissues to restore functional ability and quality of life

referred pain

pain in one part of the body that is caused by pain in a different location of the body

reflexology

pain management technique that applies massage to specific pressure points aligned with the body in the hands and feet

reiki

pain management technique in which one person uses lightly placed hands to guide energy throughout another person’s body

somatic pain

pain experienced in the muscles, skin, or bone

substance use disorder (SUD)

disorder that occurs when the repeated use of alcohol and/or other drugs significantly impairs a person’s health and results in an inability for them to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home

tai chi

practice that combines exercise and meditation with slow body movement and controlled breathing

therapeutic exercise

stretching and strengthening routines that can help to improve muscle strength and flexibility, reduce joint stiffness, and enhance range of motion

thermotherapy

application of heat or cold to alter the cutaneous, intra-articular, and core temperatures of soft tissues

tolerance

state of requiring more of a drug over time to achieve the same level of pain relief

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy

treatment that delivers low-voltage electrical current to reduce pain

visceral pain

pain experienced in the internal organs

withdrawal

physical and mental symptoms experienced when a person suddenly stops or decreases the use of an addictive substance

yoga

practice of using specific stretches, poses, meditation, and controlled breathing to balance the mind and body