Pain is a complex phenomenon, and everyone experiences pain in different ways. All pain is real, as it is a personal experience. Understanding how pain works is vital to overcoming chronic pain symptoms and the biopsychosocial model is an excellent visual for understanding how different factors play a role in our own pain experience.
Biological Factors:
- Genetics
- Age
- Sleep
- Sex
Psychological Factors:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality
- Coping Strategies
- Negative Attitudes or Fears
Social Factors:
- Financial Barriers
- Job Satisfaction
- Family Support
- Language Barriers
- Cultural Norms
All these categories have both modifiable and non-modifiable factors that influence our pain experience. Focusing on altering modifiable factors such as sleep and coping strategies to form more healthy practices can alter pain output.