What Exactly Is Pain?
As uncomfortable as it is, pain is your body's built-in alarm system. When your body is injured or afflicted with disease, nerves transmit signals to the brain, which we in turn translate as pain. Pain is undoubtedly unpleasant, but it does warn you that something is awry. The signal may be telling you to pull your hand away from the hot stove or to avoid walking until a leg fracture heals. It's nature's way of preserving your body from further damage.
The extent of your pain depends primarily on what occurred that started the sensation. Certainly the prick of a pin is a much milder form of pain than a hammer on your thumb. It also depends on how much pain you can tolerate, which is highly subjective. Other factors that influence your pain threshold include your mood, your temperament, and whether you had a good night's sleep.
Is pain the fifth vital sign?
Most doctor visits involve measuring your blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature — what medical experts have for years called the “vital signs.” These indicators help doctors gauge a patient's health and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Increasingly, doctors are recognizing that pain is also a way to assess health and well-being, another vital sign.
