When it comes to pain, most people want a straightforward answer: How do I make it stop? But pain isn’t usually that simple.
Pain is both a physical and emotional response shaped by the way the brain interprets signals from the body. There’s no single test that can measure it and no scan that can fully capture what someone is feeling. Understanding pain begins with personal experience and connection.
“Pain is very unique,” says Troy Tada, D.O., an anesthesiology and pain management specialist. “In medicine, a lot of things are objective, like blood tests, imaging, and blood pressure readings. But pain is completely subjective.”
Why listening matters
While pain begins in the body, it’s ultimately experienced in the brain. The nervous system carries signals from an injured or irritated area, and the brain decides how strongly those signals are felt.
That’s why two people with the same injury can have a very different experience. One person may rate their pain as severe but continue with daily activities, while another may find milder pain deeply disruptive. “The number doesn’t matter as much,” Dr. Tada says. “What matters is how it affects your life.”
Factors like personal, emotional health, stress, sleep, and even expectations can influence how pain is perceived. Because of this, understanding pain begins with listening to symptoms and how it affects a person’s life.
When pain needs more attention
Many aches and pains are temporary. The body has the ability to heal itself and discomfort from injuries like cuts, and infections improve with time.
But when pain lingers or begins to interfere with daily life, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Recognizing when pain deserves medical attention often starts with checking in with your primary care provider (PCP). They know your medical history and can help determine if the pain is part of a normal healing process or needs further evaluation.
Pain can also signal a more serious issue. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth, or changes in function may indicate a problem that needs further evaluation.
Rethinking the goal of pain relief
One common misconception is that successful treatment always means eliminating pain entirely. “If pain drops to almost nothing, that can actually mean there’s too much medication,” Dr. Tada says. “You need some level of pain to avoid re-injury.”
Instead, pain management often focuses on reducing discomfort to a level that’s manageable and allows a person to function, even if some discomfort remains.
Pain and the mind-body connection
Emotional health plays a significant role in how pain is experienced. Stress, anxiety, depression, and even poor sleep can lower the body’s threshold, making pain feel more intense. “If someone is going through a difficult time, they may perceive pain more,” Dr. Tada says.
That’s why conversations about pain management often extend beyond physical symptoms. Mental health support, good sleep habits, and attention to overall well-being can influence how pain is felt and managed.
Even small daily habits matter. Stretching, preparing the body for movement, and being mindful of posture and activity can help reduce strain and prevent minor injuries from building up over time. “When we’re younger, we stretch before sports,” Dr. Tada says. “As we get older, stretching is for everyday life.”
Pain doesn’t need proof
Another persistent myth is that pain must show up on a test to be real. But pain doesn’t always have visible evidence.
Conditions such as phantom limb pain, when someone feels pain in a body part that’s no longer there, show how closely pain is tied to the nervous system and the brain’s interpretation of signals. “If someone says they’re in pain, we need to believe them,” Dr. Tada says.
Treating pain goes beyond scans, numbers, or prescriptions. It starts with listening, understanding context, and recognizing that each person’s experience is different.
Watch as Dr. Troy Tada explains what shapes our experience of pain and what it means for everyday care.
Take care
Your health matters! Understanding pain is the first step toward finding the right support and having meaningful conversations with your doctor.
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