Pain, pang, phalanges, Phalen's test..

Pain   An unpleasant sensation which occurs in varying degrees of severity and intensity as a consequence of injury, disease or sensitivity of the nerves.

Pain (reducing, inhibiting, blocking)   The sensation of pain is based on two main principles; the external (painful) stimulus and the sensitivity of the body to pain. Not all people experience the same sensation in the same way for the same stimulus. The ability to feel pain is regulated in both the spinal cord and the brain. Certain sensations can actually inhibit pain. An example is when someone is slapped they will intuitively rub the area. This rubbing stimulates other nerve sensory fibers called 'fine touch receptors' in the skin. This will actually inhibit (de-regulate) the pain sensation. In other words rubbing the skin will lessen the pain sensitivity. This is the principle behind TENS machines. The subtle electrical current of a TENS machine applied to the skin will stimulate the fine touch nerve receptors and block the pain. There are several types of sensations capable of reducing the pain sensitivity such as the stretch receptors in muscles and mechano-receptors in joints. By performing stretches and exercises these movement sensors are activated and along the same principle will make the individual less sensitive to pain. This is one of many reasons why regular exercise is good for you. Natural pain suppression is very powerful and the medical profession is slowly understanding these mechanisms and decreasing their reliance on drugs to numb pain. Click here to read more about the Desk Doctor exercise plan.

Pain between the shoulder blades   Often due to muscular stress. Sitting in a hunched position at a desk will put the several back muscles (erector spinae, trapezius and rhomboids) under stress. Over time these muscles can weaken and become susceptible to strain injury. Sitting in a proper upright position (see: Setting up your workstation) and performing strengthening exercises can help prevent and often rehabilitate this type of problem. Click here to read more about how Desk Doctor can help. Another common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is a restricted rib. The ribs are designed to swivel up and down and if one becomes stuck (or subluxated) it will create a burning sensation and pain that is worsened by breathing in deeply. Speak to your chiropractor or physiotherapist about this type of issue.

Pang   A sharp painful spasm. See muscle spasm.

Phalanges   Medical term for the fingers and toes.

Phalen's test   A test for carpal tunnel syndrome in which the wrists are flexed for 30 seconds. The test compresses the median nerve within the carpal tunnel to test for nerve and vascular symptoms. This is considered a test for carpal tunnel syndrome yet many times it will produce certain symptoms even when the problem does not originate in the carpal tunnel. The diagnosis of any condition always requires many levels of testing and the professional opinion of your doctor. Also see Desk Doctor Assessment.