Pain is a valuable sensation that originates in our peripheral nerves and alerts us that something is wrong with our bodies.  While we don't fully understand the full mechanism of pain we do know some basics.  As it turns out, inflammation is an important factor in our perception of pain.  Many scientists believe that inflammation is required for our interpretation of pain signals that continue beyond the time of an injury. 

Inflammed Sciatic Nerve

For instance, if you break a bone you will feel pain from the initial damage to the affected area for minutes to hours before the source of the pain shifts to the presence of inflammation that has accumulated since the break occurred.  Specifically, a substance called bradykinan (similar to histamine) is released by tissues that are damaged. 

Neurons Send Pain Signals to the Brain When Inflammation is Present

Bradykinan affects several different protiens on peripherl nerve receptors that cause electrical signals of pain to transmit to the brain.  Therefore, as long as inflammation is present, we will experience pain. 

Controlling inflammation is a very important part of your healing process and it is a process that you probably have more control over than you think.  SImple strategies such as RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation help control inflammation as do your dietary choices.    Controlling inflammation is an important part of the care you will receive at my office as your efforts will allow to recuperate faster and heal with less scar tissue.    

Chronic inflammation is often the source of chronic joint pain.  If you need help with chronic joint pain please call us at (619) 280-0554 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.