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Vesal M, Roohafza H, Feizi A, Asgari K, Shahoon H, Ani A, Adibi P. Pressure algometry in the general adult population: Age and sex differences. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e39418. [PMID: 39183389 PMCID: PMC11346871 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Experimental pain studies have revealed inter-individual variations in pain perception that are influenced by age, sex, and country of origin. This study aimed to explore the age and sex differences in pressure pain thresholds within the Iranian general population. To assess the pressure pain thresholds, a handheld pressure algometer was applied bilaterally to the middle fingers of both hands. The participants also completed the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire to provide a clinical pain rating. This cross-sectional study included 1610 adult subjects (54.96% female, mean age 40.13 ± 10.18 years). The findings indicated that females generally exhibited lower pain thresholds than males when assessing pain detection and tolerance parameters (P < .001). Females also demonstrated a significant lower pressure thresholds and clinical pain ratings compared with men (P < .001). Additionally, significant differences were observed between age groups in terms of pain detection and tolerance thresholds (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). However, the interaction between sex and age was not significant. No significant differences in pain detection thresholds were observed between the right and left hand (P = .11). This study underscores the potential utility of algometry as a valuable tool for objectifying pain in the Iranian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Vesal
- Department of Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Roohafza
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Awat Feizi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Karim Asgari
- Department of Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hassan Shahoon
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Ani
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Peyman Adibi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Şişman H, Gezer D, Cihan R. Metaphorical perceptions of stoma patients about living with a stoma: A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 72:102681. [PMID: 39173450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate how stoma patients perceive their experiences living with a stoma. METHODS The research is a descriptive study conducted with 42 patients who lived with a stoma for at least 3 months. Data were collected by a face-to-face interview method with a semi-structured form. The metaphors obtained from the analysis are presented under 3 main headings. RESULTS The participant's gender was 59.5% male, 78.6% were between the ages of 18 and 64, and 78.6% were married. We discussed patients' statements about living with a stoma under the themes of 'positive', 'negative', and 'both positive and negative'. A statistically significant relationship was found between age groups, stoma type (colostomy/ileostomy), and stoma type (permanent/temporary) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal that negative metaphors occur most frequently in patients between the ages of 18 and 64 who have undergone temporary stoma surgery. Knowing patients' perceptions of their stoma can be a guide in planning support services for individuals to cope with their negative emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamide Şişman
- , Department of Abdi Sutcu Vocational School of Health Services, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Derya Gezer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Tarsus University, Tarsus/Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Rabia Cihan
- RN, Department of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Balcalı Hospital Adana, Turkey.
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Reis FJJ, Bonfim IDS, Corrêa LA, Nogueira LC, Meziat-Filho N, Almeida RSD. Uncovering emotional and network dynamics in the speech of patients with chronic low back pain. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 70:102925. [PMID: 38430821 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computational linguistics allows an understanding of language structure and different forms of expression of patients' perceptions. AIMS The aims of this study were (i) to carry out a descriptive analysis of the discourse of people with chronic low back pain using sentiment analysis (SA) and network analysis; (ii) to verify the correlation between patients' profiles, pain intensity and disability levels with SA and network analysis; and (iii) to identify clusters in our sample according to language and SA using an unsupervised machine learning technique. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of a qualitative study including participants with chronic non-specific low back pain. We used the data related to participants' feelings when they received the diagnosis. The SA and network analysis were performed using the Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner, and the Speech Graph, respectively. Clustering was performed using the K-means algorithm. RESULTS In the SA, the mean composite score was -0.31 (Sd. = 0.58). Most participants presented a negative discourse (n = 41; 72%). Word Count (WC) and Largest Strongly connected Component (LSC) positively correlated with education. No statistically significant correlations were observed between pain intensity, disability levels, SA, and network analysis. Two clusters were identified in our sample. CONCLUSION The SA showed that participants reported their feeling when describing the moment of the diagnosis using sentences with negative discourse. We did not find a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity, disability levels, SA, and network analysis. Education level presented positive correlation with WC and LSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe J J Reis
- Physical Therapy Department, Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Pain in Motion Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Igor da Silva Bonfim
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Centro Universitário Augusto Motta (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leticia Amaral Corrêa
- Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Leandro Calazans Nogueira
- Physical Therapy Department, Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Centro Universitário Augusto Motta (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ney Meziat-Filho
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Centro Universitário Augusto Motta (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Santos de Almeida
- Physical Therapy Department, Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Centro Universitário Augusto Motta (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Ikander T, Raunkiær M, Voetmann C, Pedersen CV, Jarlbaek L. Cancer-related pain experienced in daily life is difficult to communicate and to manage - for patients and for professionals. Scand J Pain 2024; 24:sjpain-2023-0107. [PMID: 38776518 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to gain qualitative insight into cancer patients' experiences, explanations, and management strategies regarding their cancer-related pain (CP). METHODS Seventeen patients with CP were interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. The patients all participated in cancer rehabilitation courses arranged by the research clinic at The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care. RESULTS Three themes were identified: (1) Explaining CP: Patients found it difficult to explain how they experienced their pain. They lacked words, and they frequently used invasive metaphors such as "Pain feels like a heart attack" (2). Strategies and barriers to the management of CP: Initiatives provided by healthcare professionals (HCPs) were perceived as insufficient, and the patients missed guidance in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. Several saw medicine as unnatural for their body, and they focused on side effects and the medicine affecting their quality of life. (3) Responsibility for managing CP: A lack of responsiveness from the HCPs and taking on responsibility for pain management were experienced by several of the patients. The patients expressed uncertainty about whom to contact for help with the management of their CP. CONCLUSION The patients' difficulties in explaining, understanding, and communicating their pain and pain management contributed to insufficient pain management. They were also uncertain about who had the responsibility to help them to achieve pain relief. These results share the evidence drawn from studies on patients with chronic non-cancer pain. This qualitative study highlights the need for having more focus on a common language and shared understanding between patients and HCPs. It also underpins the importance of HCPs to assume their responsibility to help patients manage their pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Ikander
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mette Raunkiær
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Voetmann
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Caroline V Pedersen
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Jarlbaek
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Kuo CL, Tsai TH, Tung SM, Lin YE. The usability of an AAC pain description system for patients with acquired expressive communication disorders. Augment Altern Commun 2023; 39:61-72. [PMID: 37171186 DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2023.2206895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has been used by patients with acquired expressive communication disorders as an alternative to natural speech. The use of symbols to express pain, which is intangible, is challenging because designing a series of comprehensible symbols to represent personal experiences such as pain is not straightforward. This study describes (a) the development of symbols to express pain that were derived from Chinese pain-related similes and metaphors for an AAC mobile application developed specifically for this study known as PainDiary and (b) an assessment of the appropriateness of the app compared to conventional methods of collecting pain information. The symbols depicted headache pain and discomfort, which is prevalent among neurosurgical patients. The participants were 31 patients diagnosed with acquired expressive communication disorders who were receiving treatment in a neurosurgery general ward of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and 14 nurses who worked on the ward. Pain information was collected by nurses using conventional methods and the PainDiary app. Assessment data, including the accuracy and efficiency of and user satisfaction with PainDiary, are compared. The results show that use of the app was effective in reporting pain and that patients required less time to report a pain event. The results further indicate that the PainDiary app was better received by younger individuals than by their older counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Li Kuo
- Department of Nursing, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hsuan Tsai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Master of Science Degree Program in Innovation for Smart Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Visual Communication Design, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Mei Tung
- Department of Nursing, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-E Lin
- Department of Nursing, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Ryan D, Rio E, O'Donoghue G, O'Sullivan C. "I've got a spring in my step" participants experience of action observation therapy and eccentric exercises, a telehealth study for mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy: a qualitative study. J Foot Ankle Res 2023; 16:19. [PMID: 37041594 PMCID: PMC10088142 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-023-00619-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative research has dominated the field of Achilles Tendinopathy. The use of qualitative research allows in-depth exploration of participants' perspectives, offering great insight in the evaluation of a trial's processes, particularly when exploring a novel intervention such as Action Observation Therapy combined with eccentric exercises which has not been previously researched. This study aimed to qualitatively explore participants' experiences of partaking in a telehealth study including the acceptability of the intervention, motivators for participation, and perspectives on the trial processes. METHOD A thematic analysis as guided by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews conducted on a purposive sample of participants with mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy who recently completed a pilot feasibility study. The study adhered to the criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ). RESULTS/DISCUSSION Sixteen participants were interviewed. The five themes identified were: (i) The impact of Achilles Tendinopathy is commonly not prioritised with 'The acceptance and minimisation of pain' as a sub-theme (ii) Therapeutic alliance has the greatest impact on support (iii) Factors which influenced adherence (iv) Action Observation Therapy is valued and recommended (v) Recommendations for future interventions. CONCLUSION This study provides insightful recommendations around; exploring the use of Action Observation Therapy in Achilles Tendinopathy, the relative importance of therapeutic alliance rather than mode of therapy delivery, and that sufferers of Achilles Tendinopathy may not prioritise health seeking for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre Ryan
- UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ebonie Rio
- UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grainne O'Donoghue
- UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Sullivan
- UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland
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Koops TU, Frith H. 'I don't live in my body somehow': metaphorical talk in women's accounts of vaginismus and dyspareunia. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2022; 24:1650-1664. [PMID: 34720050 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1992015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vaginismus and dyspareunia are common sexual difficulties; they often take a long time to be appropriately diagnosed, and their origins remain unclear. This paper examines the metaphors used by women to describe bodily experiences associated with vaginismus and dyspareunia, and highlights the contribution this form of analysis can make to the study of sexuality and sexual difficulties. A secondary analysis was conducted on primary data from biographic interviews exploring women's experiences of sexual pain and difficulties with sexual intercourse. Metaphor analysis was used to analyse a data subset of 28 interviews translated from German into English. Metaphorical concepts lying at the basis of the metaphors used were identified and grouped into three themes: characterisation of sexual difficulties; split body and 'self'; and sexual agency and objectification. Results are discussed with in the context of literature regarding the function of metaphors and the utility of metaphor analysis for research, and healthcare research and interventions more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thula U Koops
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Frith
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
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Amberg A, Crispin M, Koeppenkastrop L, Munday I, McCambridge AB. Unravelling dystonic pain; a mixed methods survey to explore the language of dystonic pain and impact on life. Disabil Rehabil 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35676197 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2083242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary muscle contractions. Pain is the primary non-motor symptom, and limited studies have investigated how dystonic pain is experienced. This study aimed to investigate how people with isolated dystonia describe their pain and compare across subgroups of dystonia. METHODS Anonymous online survey via social media asking participants to describe their pain in their own words, complete the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and answer demographic questions. Thematic analysis identified common themes and frequencies were calculated for demographic and MPQ data. RESULTS One-hundred and sixty-five respondents were included (mean age 51 years, 85% female). Thematic analysis identified four major themes "Physical sensations", "Temporal features", "Destruction", "Impact on life" with several sub-themes. The most chosen MPQ descriptor was "exhausting" followed by "tight," "sharp," "pulling," and "aching". The most common descriptors showed similar prevalence across subgroups of dystonia. CONCLUSION As no objective tests for pain exist, pain sufferers must use language to describe their pain experience. People with isolated dystonia used sensory words combined with metaphorical language to detail temporal features of pain, as well as destructive internal battles or feelings of external forces acting upon them, and the significant toll pain has on everyday life. Implications for rehabilitationPain is a common and debilitating non-motor symptom for people living with dystonia and should be discussed in a persons treatment plan.Pain sufferers use language to discuss their pain experience with others and report they don't feel well understood by others including health professionals.People with dystonic pain commonly described physical sensations, temporal features, destructive forces, and the impact on life caused by their pain.Findings suggest the experience of pain with dystonia is varied and better pain management options for people with dystonia are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Amberg
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monique Crispin
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luis Koeppenkastrop
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Imogene Munday
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Clinical Psychology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alana B McCambridge
- Graduate School of Health, Discipline of Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Bullo S, Weckesser A. Addressing Challenges in Endometriosis Pain Communication Between Patients and Doctors: The Role of Language. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 2:764693. [PMID: 34870277 PMCID: PMC8634326 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.764693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In the context of the complex medical, social, and economic factors that contribute to endometriosis diagnosis delay and its consequent impact on quality of life, this report focuses on patient-practitioner pain communication and examines the role of language in doctor-patient communication. Our study explored what patients and doctors consider challenging and effective in endometriosis pain communication. It further examined what commonly used metaphors by patients could be suggestive, or not, of endometriosis to doctors. Method: A United Kingdom-based qualitative (open-ended question) survey with women with endometriosis (n131) and semi-structured telephone interviews with general practitioners (GPs) (n11). Survey and interview data were analyzed thematically. Results: Both women and GPs reported the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to be insufficient as a standalone tool for communicating endometriosis related pain. Both also found descriptions of the quality, location, and impact on daily life of pain to more effective means of communicating pain symptoms. When presented with common metaphorical expressions surveyed women used to describe their pain, not all GPs recognized such metaphors as indicative of possible endometriosis. Further, some GPs reported some of the expressions to be indicative of other pathologies. Conclusion: Findings reveal the importance of language in pain communication and the need for additional tools to help women and doctors find the most effective way to communicate the experience and elicit appropriate investigative care. They also show the need for further investigation into how metaphor can be effectively used to improve patient-practitioner communication of endometriosis related pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bullo
- Department of Languages, Information and Communications, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Annalise Weckesser
- Centre for Social Care and Health Related Research, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Bantel C, Sörös P. On pain - Virginia Woolf and the language of poets and patients. Br J Pain 2021; 15:497-500. [PMID: 34840797 PMCID: PMC8611302 DOI: 10.1177/20494637211009253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenced by Virginia Woolf pain is traditionally believed to be a private object that
defies language. However, our analysis of classical and contemporary works of British and
American poets, in addition to our own clinical experiences, leads us to challenge this
notion. In accordance with Wittgenstein we instead view pain as a concept and objective
experience that should encourage interaction. Reasons why patients and healthcare
providers often assume language to be insufficient to grasp the complexity of pain are
manifold. Based on neuro-cognitive mechanisms we propose an important contributor might be
that patients in pain speak a different language than their pain-free peers and
doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Bantel
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, and Pain Management, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Sörös
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Neurology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Munday I, Newton-John T, Kneebone I. 'Barbed wire wrapped around my feet': Metaphor use in chronic pain. Br J Health Psychol 2020; 25:814-830. [PMID: 32452109 PMCID: PMC7496857 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives As there is no objective test for pain, sufferers rely on language to communicate their pain experience. Pain description frequently takes the form of metaphor; however, there has been limited research in this area. This study thus sought to extend previous findings on metaphor use in specific pain subgroups to a larger, heterogeneous chronic pain sample, utilizing a systematic method of metaphor analysis. Design Conceptual metaphor theory was utilized to explore the metaphors used by those with chronic pain via qualitative methodology. Methods An anonymous online survey was conducted which asked for the descriptions and metaphors people use to describe their pain. Systematic metaphor analysis was used to classify and analyse the metaphors used into specific metaphor source domains. Results Participants who reported chronic pain completed the survey (N = 247, age 19–78, M = 43.69). Seven overarching metaphor source domains were found. These were coded as Causes of Physical Damage, Common Pain Experiences, Electricity, Insects, Rigidity, Bodily Misperception, and Death and Mortality. Conclusions Participants utilized a wide variety of metaphors to describe their pain. The most common descriptions couched chronic pain in terms of physical damage. A better understanding of pain metaphors may have implications for improved health care communication and provide targets for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogene Munday
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian Kneebone
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
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