After 40-Years There is Now a New Definition for Pain

For the first time in 40-years the International Association for the Study of Pain is changing the definition for pain. The purpose is to change the way pain is viewed and treated.

In 1979, pain was defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of tissue damage." However, the new 2020 definition defines pain saying, "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage. The change highlights the actual or potential tissue damage.

In addition, the IASP added six notes to provide greater context for pain. They include:

• "Pain is always a personal experience that is influenced to varying degrees by biological, psychological and social factors.
• Pain and nociception are different phenomena, and pain cannot be inferred solely from activity in sensory neurons.
• Through life experiences, people learn their concept of pain.
• A person's report of pain usually serves as an adaptive role, it may have adverse effects on function and social, and psychological well-being.
• Verbal description is only one of several behaviors to express pain, and an inability to communicate does not negate the possibility that a human or a nonhuman animal experiences pain.
• A person's report of an experience as pain should be respected."

Dr. Julie Sarnita, D.O. shares, "We understand these six notes added are intended to guide pain management physicians to ensure we assess all factors that contribute to the pain experience. We know pain, particularly chronic pain is impacted by social, psychological and other health factors."

Dr. Julio Paez, M.D. adds, "The updated definition is important because it indicates tissue damage is not required, which is inline with scientific data for some conditions."