Pain Behaviours



According to a Medical Dictionary, the Definition is:

Observable actions other than descriptive speech arising out of the experience of pain.

Health Professionals use observation to quantify various pain behaviours and factors that increase or decrease them. The patient is usually observed in the waiting room, while being interviewed, as well as during any examination.

Some examples of Pain Behaviours:-

Paralingual Vocalizations
(Vocal non-verbal complaints) 		Sighs, Moans, Groans, Gasps, etc.
Facial Expressions Grimacing, Winces, Furrowed brow, Tightened lips, Clenched teeth, Distorted expressions, etc.
Motor Activity Slow or Deliberate Movement
Disposition Irritable, Moody, Angry, Frustrated
Verbal Reports Questions, "Why did this happen to me?"
Requests for Help in Walking, Getting up, Sitting down, etc.
Body Postures, Gesturing Limping or Distorted Gait
Rubbing or Supporting Affected Area
Shifting Posture Frequently
Sitting with Rigid Posture
Behaviors to Reduce Pain

Taking Medication
Over using Health Care Systems
Reduction and/or Advoidance of Tasks or Activities
Using Protective Devices
    Cane
    Cervical Collar
    Walking Frames

Functional Limitations Reclining (laying down) for Extended Periods of Time
Moving in Guarded or Protective Manner
Stopping to rest when walking

There are a few common reason to explain why we do some of these things:-

  • Attention Seeking Behaviour, Sympathy, Task Avoidance, etc
  • Fear of doing more damage, To protrect our body, Low self esteem, etc.
  • Monitary gain - from litigation, insurance, welfare, etc.
  • High pain levels (this often becomes the excuse as to why we can't do something)

As Chronic Pain is an invisible condition, sometimes we can even exagerate things, as a way to prove to others that we are in fact in pain...

Our Family members often play a role in this area as well. They can say things like, let me do that for you, you're in pain. While they are trying to help, they are in reality making things worse for us... The more they do this the more "disabled" we get.

Food for thought....