Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)
Chronic pain affects 11%of the adult population and acute pain affects a further
5% at any given time, (France, & Krishnan, 1988). An estimated 65 000
people in the United States of America suffer from permanent disabilities caused
from back injuries alone. 1% of the population is considered to be totally
disabled from chronic pain annually, (Mayer, Gatchell, Mayer, Kishino, &
Mooney, 1987).
"Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with
actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage"
(LA.S.P. Subcommittee on Taxonomy, Pain Terms; A list of definitions
and notes on usage. In Pain, Q(1979), 24,2 - 252).
Persistent pain is one of the most frequently presented complaints seen in a
medical setting, yet is one of the most difficult symptoms to treat because of the
etiologies and individualised responses to pain - Successful intervention
generally leads to resolution of the pain complaint, however in some cases, the
pain continues. It is ironic that in an age of advanced medical technology,
success often hinges on the relief of a symptom which cannot really be
measured, seen, percussed or palpated.
In order for this to be possible, a comprehensive understanding of pain as seen
from all perspectives and theories available must be investigated and presented.
The concept of pain and its puzzling phenomenology has been recognised since
antiquity.