At Curaleaf Clinic, we understand that living with pain can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes, healthcare professionals use the term “pain catastrophising” to describe a particular way of thinking about pain. But what does this term really mean, and how might it affect people experiencing pain?
What is Pain Catastrophising?
Generally, “pain catastrophising” refers to negative thoughts and feelings related to pain. This can include:
- Exaggerating the seriousness of the pain: Thinking the pain is much worse than it might be.
- Constantly thinking about the pain (rumination): Spending a lot of time worrying or dwelling on the pain.
- Feeling helpless: Believing there’s nothing that can be done to improve the pain.
Research has shown that these kinds of thoughts and feelings can be linked to more intense pain, feelings of sadness, difficulties with daily activities, and a lower quality of life.
Why is this term sometimes controversial?
While the idea behind understanding negative pain-related thoughts is important, the term “pain catastrophising” itself has caused debate. Some people feel that it can be:
- Stigmatising: Making patients feel labelled or judged for their reaction to pain.
- Invalidating: Suggesting that their pain isn’t real or that they are overreacting.
- Unhelpful: Not providing a clear path forward for support and management.
What did a recent study find?
A recent international study looked at how over 1,000 healthcare professionals and researchers understand and use the term “pain catastrophising.” They found that:
- Most people (82.2%) in the study were familiar with the term.
- Over one-third of clinicians reported using it when talking to patients.
- However, a significant number felt the term could be stigmatising.
- Some even worried that clinicians might interpret “pain catastrophising” as patients exaggerating or not being truthful about their pain.
- Interestingly, some patients had negative, neutral, or even positive reactions to the term.
This study highlights that there isn’t a single, clear understanding of what “pain catastrophising” means, and how it makes patients feel. It also raises concerns about whether a clinician’s personal judgment of a patient’s pain response should determine if it’s considered “exaggerated.”
The power of language in healthcare
The words healthcare professionals use can have a real impact on patients. When patients feel understood and cared for, they are more likely to trust their clinicians and follow treatment plans. If a term makes a patient feel dismissed or judged, it can damage this important relationship and potentially affect their recovery.
One previous study found that many patients had problems with the term “pain catastrophising” because it made them feel like their pain was being dismissed and that their clinician lacked empathy.
Focusing on understanding, not just labels
At Curaleaf Clinic, our priority is to understand each individual’s experience of pain. While recognising negative thought patterns related to pain can be a part of that understanding, it’s crucial that the language used is supportive and doesn’t create further distress.
It’s important to distinguish between the concept of negative pain-related thinking and the potentially negative impact of the term “pain catastrophising” itself. Addressing unhelpful thoughts and emotions surrounding pain is a valuable part of pain management. However, we need to be mindful of the language we use and ensure it fosters trust and encourages engagement in helpful treatments, such as psychological support.
Further research is needed to fully understand how the stigma associated with the term “pain catastrophising” might affect a patient’s willingness to seek and participate in treatments
Our commitment at Curaleaf Clinic
We are committed to using clear, respectful, and person-centred language when discussing your pain experience. Our goal is to help you understand your pain and provide support and treatment options that are tailored to your individual needs. If you have any questions or concerns about the language used during your care, please don’t hesitate to speak with your clinician.
