What is Neuroscience?
Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system and how it is structured, has developed, and currently functions. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells. By studying the nervous system, neuroscientists understand the causes of pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Neuroscience enables physicians to treat a wide range of injuries and conditions.
Pain occurs as a result of nerves stimulated due to injury, repetitive or abrupt motion, or other conditions. When a negative or painful stimulus occurs on the skin, muscle/joint, or internal organ, a nociceptor fiber sends a signal to the receptors in the spine and brain. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) is the area in the brain that is activated when an injury occurs and is responsible for processing pain. Thus, the neuroscience of pain includes a complex communication among several parts of the human body.
What is Pain Management?
Once the physician has accurately diagnosed the patient’s condition, he then makes a determination about the treatment, which focuses on pain management. Pain management addresses the needs and goals of a patient. Treatment is designed to first help the patient feel relief from pain. Ultimately, the goal of pain management is enable the client to participate in those meaningful daily activities that contribute to the patient’s quality of life.
In addition to diagnosing and treating pain, the pain management physician may also suggest treatments such as physical or occupational therapy and rehabilitative training.
At Segura Neuroscience and Pain Center, Drs. Segura and Robertson, along with their team have a complete understanding neuroscience and pain management, as well as the connection between neuroscience, pain and quality of life.
