What is pain, and how can we distinguish between acute and chronic pain?
Pain is an essential physiological warning signal—but when it persists for more than 3 months, it becomes a condition in its own right that requires a specific approach. Our line of pain relievers offers solutions tailored to each type of pain.
- Acute pain: a warning signal—limited duration—linked to an identifiable injury—disappears with healing—treatment targeted at the cause
- Chronic pain: > 3 months — often unrelated to the initial injury — autonomous neurobiological mechanisms (central sensitization) — see our chronic pain page for specific approaches
- Neuropathic pain: injury or dysfunction of the nervous system—burning sensation, electric shock-like sensation, allodynia—specific treatment (anticonvulsants, antidepressants)
- Nociplastic pain: amplification of pain signals without an identifiable lesion — typical of fibromyalgia
- Pain intensity is measured on a numerical scale from 0 to 10 or on the visual analog scale (VAS)—an essential monitoring tool for tailoring treatment
How can pain be managed in daily life and at work?
Daily pain management relies on adapting your environment and habits—practical strategies that complement medical treatments and the natural ingredients in our joint pain product line.
- Pain diary: Record dailypain intensity (VAS 0–10), triggers, and positions or activities that worsen or relieve pain—a valuable tool for your doctor and for identifying personal patterns
- Workplace ergonomics: screen at eye level, adjustable chair, keyboard and mouse that don’t strain the forearms, active breaks every 45 minutes—reduce the mechanical stress that perpetuates pain
- Sleep hygiene: Pain and insomnia feed into each other—maintain a regular sleep schedule, sleep in a cool, dark environment, and avoid screens before bedtime
- Pacing: Break activities into smaller segments to avoid the cycle of “overdoing it → pain flare-up → forced rest”—a central technique in managing fibromyalgia and chronic pain
- Mobile pain management apps: daily VAS tracking, guided meditation, biofeedback — documented complementary tools in multidisciplinary care
What new technologies are available to relieve pain?
Technological advances are opening up new non-pharmacological possibilities—some already validated, others showing promising development.
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): skin electrodes that deliver mild electrical impulses—modulate the transmission of pain signals (gate control theory)—effective for lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis pain—devices available without a prescription
- Therapeutic ultrasound: used in physical therapy to penetrate deep tissues — anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties — effective for tendinitis and deep muscle pain
- Virtual reality (VR): cognitive and sensory distraction — reduces the perception of pain during painful procedures and rehabilitation — a complementary technique currently being developed in pain centers
- Spinal cord neurostimulation: for refractory chronic pain—electrodes implanted in the spinal cord—reserved for severe cases after all other treatments have failed
- Biofeedback: learning to control certain physiological parameters (muscle tension, heart rate) to reduce the perception of pain
Which natural ingredients can help alleviate pain?
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): reduce neuroinflammation and pain-promoting mediators — beneficial for joint, muscle, and mild neuropathic pain
- Turmeric (curcumin): Inhibits COX-2 and NF-kB pathways—a versatile natural anti-inflammatory—a bioavailable formula is essential
- Magnesium: an antagonist of NMDA receptors involved in central sensitization—deficiency exacerbates pain perception—300–400 mg/day
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Mediterranean diet; limit refined sugars and saturated fats — reduces inflammatory markers that perpetuate pain
- Disabling chronic pain affecting quality of life: refer to a multidisciplinary pain center—list available through the primary care physician
