Hurt Vs. Harm: Decision-Making In The Face Of Pain
- joeodpt
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
I’ve been having a recurring conversation this week and thought it might help more people if shared. It has to do with the differentiation between Hurt and Harm and how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty
As we age, managing pain can be confusing, especially when it’s hard to tell whether pain signals real harm or just discomfort. Let's break down the difference between "hurt" and "harm" so you can feel more confident in your body and your recovery.
1. Pain is a Protection Mechanism
Pain is the body's way of alerting us to potential threats. However, it's important to understand that pain doesn't always correlate directly with harm or tissue damage. Sometimes, pain can be present even when no significant injury has occurred, or it can persist long after tissues have healed.
2. Hurt vs. Harm
Hurt refers to the sensation of pain. You can experience hurt without there being any new or worsening damage in your body. For example, you may still feel pain after an old injury even though the tissues have fully healed. This is your nervous system remaining sensitive as a protective response, which is common in persistent pain conditions.
Harm refers to actual tissue damage. It’s possible to experience little to no pain during an injury (like some people do when they break a bone), but actual tissue harm has occurred. On the other hand, chronic pain can feel very intense even when no harm is occurring or when tissue damage is minimal.
3. The Nervous System's Role
The nervous system plays a significant role in how we experience pain. Sometimes, it becomes overly protective, like a car alarm that goes off when someone just walks by. This hypersensitivity can make non-harmful activities feel painful, but that doesn't mean you're damaging your body. Understanding this distinction helps individuals overcome fear of movement, which can be a contributing factor in your pain.
A Real Life Example
You might wake up with a stiff back, and it can feel painful when you move. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve caused harm. That hurt is your nervous system being protective. Gentle movement can help resolve this and teach your nervous system that these sensations aren't dangerous.
Remember: Pain can be your guide, but it doesn’t have to dictate your life. Understanding the difference between hurt and harm will help you stay active, healthy, and in control of your pain.
Stay well and keep moving,
Joe
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