Pain Explained by Types and Impacts
Author: Debbie Humphrey
Pain: physical suffering or distress, as due to injury, illness, etc.; a distressing sensation in a particular part of the body; mental or emotional suffering or torment
We’ve all experienced some sort of physical, mental, or emotional pain. Pain is a signal that something is wrong and requires repair and healing.
As a Certified Senior Advisor, I regularly meet with seniors and their families, and more often than not, they are dealing with some sort of pain that prevents them from performing activities of daily living and participating in social activities that are important for a healthy quality of life.
Pain, regardless of its nature or duration, imposes limitations that can restrict functionality and disrupt daily routines. September is National Pain Awareness Month, and I guess that if you’re experiencing pain, you are keenly aware of it. Here, pain is explained by its types and impacts.
Types of Pain
Acute – Acute pain is short-term, lasting from a few minutes to as long as six months. It usually occurs due to a temporary illness or injury.
Chronic – Chronic pain is longer in duration and can be constant or intermittent. This is frequently attributable to an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or a spinal disorder.
Neuropathic – Neuropathic pain is due to damage to the nerves or nervous system. It is typically described as feeling like pins and needles, shooting, stabbing, or burning. Neuropathic pain is commonly considered chronic, and in severe cases, it may interfere with activities of daily living, movement, and mobility.
Nociceptive – Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to body tissues. It can be perceived as sharp, achy, or throbbing pain that is most often caused by an external injury. Nociceptive pain is that which is experienced in joints, muscles, skin, tendons, and bones, and can be both acute and chronic.
Radicular – Radicular pain radiates discomfort to different areas of the body. It occurs when the spinal nerve gets compressed or inflamed due to vertebral subluxation. Radicular pain is often described as tingling or numbness and can cause muscle weakness. This type of pain is often steady.
Common Painful Conditions
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Neck/Back Pain
- Cancer
- Chronic Migraine Headaches
- Pinched Nerves
- Sciatica
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Grief
At Home Helpers®, our exceptional caregivers regularly assist seniors who are suffering from different types and levels of pain by providing in-home care services to manage activities of daily living and make life easier.
Activities of daily living, like personal care, can be a problem for seniors contending with pain. A compassionate caregiver can help ensure personal hygiene remains a priority. Homemaker services help keep our clients’ homes clean and safe. Grocery shopping and meal preparation help seniors in pain eat nutritious meals and snacks, especially before they consume pain medications. Recuperative care and support for stroke recovery are critical for speedier healing. Companion care for seniors who live alone or those who have lost loved ones and are grieving is recommended for physical and mental support and engagement.
These senior care services are examples of what our highly skilled caregivers can easily manage. I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to discuss specific ways we can help you or someone you love who contends with painful physical, mental, or emotional health conditions.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.
Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539
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