DEAR readers, it’s always a pleasure to connect with you through the exploration of some of life’s most profound experiences. Last week, we took a deep dive into the world of sensory experiences through art, exploring how our physical sensations influence creativity and perception. This week, however, we are embarking on a very different journey – one that delves into the complex and often harrowing realm of pain perception.
Dear readers, before we immerse ourselves in this delicate topic, I shall begin with this very question: when you read news stories like the tragic Air India plane crash in India on 12 June 2025, which claimed the lives of at least 270 including those on board and people on the ground within minutes, how does it make you feel? Do you find yourself reflecting on the fragility of life and the deep emotional and physical pain that accompanies loss? Can you feel and empathise with those who have tragically lost their beloved? With them and for them, we express heartfelt compassion as we grieve the devastating loss of their loved ones in the wake of this plane crash.
Among those lost in that devastating accident was a beautiful family of five, poised to start anew in London, where dreams often bloom. Sadly, in their case, theirs have wilted away before they can even blossom. A couple who dedicated their lives to healthcare, Dr Prateek Joshi and his wife, Dr Komi Joshi, striving to mend and heal, now face a gaping void left by their three children whose futures were bright, snuffed out far too early. I can still feel the haunting words of the father of Dr Prateek Joshi in an interview, as he spoke about the suffocating grief settling in – real pain, heartbreak that is beyond words, echoing in every fibre of his being. For those who have lost loved ones, imagine the magnitude of that physical pain. It is not just emotional; it resonates within, making its presence felt in the body as an undeniable ache.
Dear readers, feeling pain is something that makes us human, a connection shared across cultures and experiences. But have we ever considered how we truly perceive pain, the pathways involved, and how it can be managed in our lives? Pain perception is a journey that involves not only our bodies but also our minds and souls.
When we experience pain, it travels through a series of pathways in our bodies. The sensation starts with our nociceptors – specialised pain receptors – transmitting signals through nerve fibres, ultimately reaching the brain. This journey is not instantaneous; it involves complex processes where pain signals can selectively amplify or diminish based on various factors, including the emotional state of the individual. For instance, pain in one person may be overwhelming, while another might scarcely notice it, depending on their mental wellness, stress levels, and past experiences.
To illustrate this further, let’s turn our hearts to the recent tragedy. Picture the anguish rippling through the families of the 274 lost souls in that plane crash. Beyond the devastating emotional turmoil lies a very real, physical experience of pain. The initial reports and interviews from relatives of the departed can take us to the raw, unfiltered emotions surrounding their grief. Scientific research indicates that compassion and empathy are often accompanied by a physical response in observers. According to Dr Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist, the brain regions activated when we feel empathy closely mirror those activated in individuals experiencing pain. When we empathize with loss, we feel a pang in our chests, a lump in our throats – our bodies react as though we too are undergoing a loss.
Now, juxtapose this with the anguish of a loved one facing a terminal illness such as cancer, counting the days until farewell. The pain of watching someone you cherish slowly slip away from you is indescribable. It’s a reminder of how intimately entwined joy and sorrow can be. They exist side by side in a dance that is both beautiful and tragic. Here we see again how pain is not solely a physical sensation but a complex interplay of emotional and physical experiences.
In biological terms, pain is the body’s alarm system, signalling distress and injury. It evokes a complex interplay involving peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain. When tissue is damaged, pain receptors – nociceptors – are activated and transmit signals through a network of neural pathways leading to the spinal cord and up to the brain. Here, the brain interprets these signals, offering us a subjective experience that is integral to our survival but can also be profoundly debilitating.
Psychologically, pain encompasses not just the physical discomfort but also the emotional distress associated with loss. Research indicates that emotional pain can activate the same areas of the brain that physical pain does, creating a true sense of synergy between our mental and physical experiences. This connection offers insight into the depth of suffering that the families of the passengers on that ill-fated flight are experiencing – the underlying physical sensation of heartache transcending into a full-body experience.
As we reflect on the ability to manage pain, from what I have learned, we must turn to both short-term and long-term strategies formulated by the experts. In the immediate aftermath of pain – be it emotional or physical – practical steps can alleviate the burden. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and grounding exercises can help manage acute emotional pain. Short-term solutions may include pharmacological interventions, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, which can effectively address acute pain but often come with associated risks. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective for physical discomfort, while talking to a trusted friend may provide temporary relief from heartache.
Meanwhile, the medium-term techniques could involve cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on altering negative thought patterns related to pain. As the shock wears off, you may find it beneficial to engage in activities that provide comfort. If a loved one has passed, consider honouring their memory through rituals or celebrating their life with others who shared that journey. Counselling or therapy can be immensely beneficial, allowing a safe space to express grief and learn to navigate those feelings. Equally, physical activities like running can help channel emotional pain into physical exertion, releasing endorphins to elevate mood.
For long-term relief, interdisciplinary treatment approaches that integrate physical therapy, mindfulness, and possibly acupuncture have shown promise in fostering sustained pain management. Finally, addressing pain in the long term might involve lifestyle changes that promote resilience. Building emotional intelligence, strengthening support networks, and developing healthy coping mechanisms can play significant roles in how we manage and transform pain into something more bearable.
It is critical to remember that while pain is an inevitable part of life, we have the capacity to navigate it and manage it with awareness and support. As we explore the journey of pain perception, let us lean on our communities, our families, and ourselves for healing.
In my journey of managing pain – both emotional and physical – I have found solace in creative expression and mindfulness. Art, much like the sensory experience we explored last week, serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to channel thoughts and feelings into something tangible. Whether through painting, writing or simply taking a solitary walk in nature, these experiences have provided me with a sanctuary to process and reinterpret my pain.
As we navigate through life’s unpredictable journey filled with moments of joy and sorrow, we must acknowledge the multifaceted nature of pain. It persists as an ever-present reminder of our humanity. Once again, together, let us express heartfelt compassion for those grieving the devastating loss of their loved ones in the wake of the India plane crash.
In moments when pain is overwhelming, let us also remember the words of renowned pain researcher, Dr Mark Jensen: “Suffering is not only the experience of pain, but one’s ability to cope, understand, and adapt.” Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to cultivate resilience and seek paths that lead to healing.
As we close this exploration into the journey of pain perception, let us take a moment for a heartfelt prayer. May those who have experienced profound loss find peace amidst their sorrow, may healing envelop them, and may we collectively nurture empathy towards one another as we journey through life. Indeed, in pain, you are never alone.
“Pain is a messenger. Its purpose is to protect us.” – Dr Paul Brand (1914-2003). Brand was a groundbreaking figure in the advancement of tendon transfer techniques for individuals affected by leprosy. He was the first medical professional to recognise that leprosy primarily affects the nerves rather than the tissue, resulting in the loss of pain sensation that predisposes patients to injuries and subsequent tissue degeneration, particularly in the extremities.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
