3 ARTICLES ON THE TOPIC OF PAIN

These articles can be used in conjunction with the chapters on the nervous system as well those covering sensation and perception.  Additionally, the last article in this series by Jane Brody can be used in conjunction with topics of health and Positive Psychology.

ARTICLE #1

TITLE

Understanding pain

DESCRIPTION

This is an excellent starting place for students to understand pain.  It covers issues in the nervous system and brain, transmission, different types of pain, and factors affecting perception of pain.   It is well written and easy to understand.

SOURCE

Mayo Clinic, July 26, 2016

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.mayoclinic.org/understanding-pain/art-20208632

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/ya4yz3du

ARTICLE #2

TITLE

Pain: What is it and how do you treat it?

DESCRIPTION

This is an easy to understand article that provides information on a number of topics related to pain.

Fast facts on pain

Causes

Types

Describing pain

Diagnosis of Pain

Measuring Pain (and indicators of pain)

Treatment and Management of Pain

(Medication and Alternative treatments)

It is well written and can be useful for lectures, discussion, and at both  introductory and advances courses.

SOURCE

Medical News Today, July 27, 2017, by Adam Felman

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145750.php

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y7pfyx7o

ARTICLE #3

TITLE

Alternatives to Drugs for Treating Pain

DESCRIPTION

This is a first person account by noted health writer Jane Brody in the New York Times.  Unlike the other articles, it focuses on her own experiences with various types of pain and the impact on her life.   The article then details her experiences with alternatives to medications.  “Based on evidence from well-designed clinical trials, the team reported that these complementary approaches “may help some patients manage their painful health conditions: acupuncture and yoga for back pain; acupuncture and tai chi for osteoarthritis of the knee; massage therapy for neck pain with adequate doses and for short-term benefit; and relaxation techniques for severe headaches and migraine.”  She especially focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Meditation.  The article is up to date on all of the alternatives and can be combined with the health and Positive Psychology topics.

SOURCE

New York Times, September 11, 2017, by Jane E. Brody

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/11/well/alternatives-to-drugs-for-treating-pain.html

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y8oksmnz

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is pain?   (Ask students to describe the types of pain and causes.)

•How is pain “transmitted” through the nervous system?

•How is pain diagnosed and measured?

•What are both the standard and complimentary alternative treatments for pain?