Nursing Rresearch Utilization Project Proposal on Alternative Pain Essay

Nursing Rresearch Utilization Project Proposal on Alternative Pain Management - Essay Example Philosophers, psychologists, biologists and pharmacologists have attempted to understand pain based on an interdisciplinary approach. With technological advances and centuries of research, have led to an in depth of comprehension of pain mechanisms and accordingly several theories have been put forward over the years to explain the mechanism of pain. While the classical theories stressed the physiological aspects of pain, the multidimensional theories included the physiological as well as psychological, cognitive and social aspects of pain (Gatchel et al., 2007). The pain pathway involves three neuron route that carry pain stimuli from periphery to cerebral cortex: the primary afferent neurons, the dorsal horn of spinal cord where primary afferent neurons synapse with second order neuron (SON); and finally the third order neurons (TON) that synapse with SON in thalamic nuclei. Each of these routes involve several alternative pathways. The receptors and the fibers associated with pain perception in peripheral receptor system are known as nociceptors which can be of different types depending on the nature of stimuli received. However there are also two more dimensions to pain perception besides nociception. The individual’s description or assessment of experiences that he labels as pain and the emotional reaction to the pain perception forms the second dimension. The third dimension encompasses the social aspects of pain (Gatchel et al., 2007). Professional aid for pain management becomes essential when it restricts or interferes with daily activities, or when self care techniques fail to provide relief. The ultimate treatment goal for pain is the alleviation of pain symptom and improvement of individual functional ability. Due to its complex nature, pain management is rendered a challenging and multifaceted task. In accordance care providers today incorporate and utilize varied techniques including patient education, medications, physical therapies, relax ation techniques, psychosocial counseling, surgical procedures, injection techniques, various alternative medicine modalities for effective and intensive pain management (Gatchel et al., 2007). Based on this premise the current project proposal aims to explore the available and prevalent alternative pain management techniques and their comparative efficacies. B. Solution description Mind/Body Medicine During the last three decades many researchers have begin to explore the interconnections between mind and body; and have attempted to understand the hitherto unexplored efficacy of most traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. This has led to the emergence of the new field of psychoneuroimmunology. Mid body techniques are based on three premises; relation of body and mind, ability of body to heal itself and role of care provider in restoring health. This field includes techniques such as psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and guided imagery. Psychotherapy Psych otherapy approaches are based on the interdependence of stress and pain forming a vicious circle. They therefore provide relaxation therapies to develop a sense of control, change the mode of dealing with pain and decreasing levels of discomfort. Hypnosis, music or audioanalgesia and other relaxation techni