Understanding pain

Understanding pain
The different types of pain and how to treat them

Pain is a part of life. It is there from the beginning, in a small baby, and it is there at the end, when the person dies.

Martin Elvey
Martin Elvey - CEO of The Pain Care Group, M. Sc. Physiotherapy (Wits)
7 November 2018 | 3 minute read

Pain is felt when some part of the body is pushed or pulled, squeezed or stretched, struck or subjected to force. Almost all tissues of the body have nerve endings that can make a person feel pain, and it is these nerve endings affected by all of the different pressures that may affect the body. When they are stimulated, they send a pain message to the brain and the brain interprets the message as pain. The brain controls everything in the body and the pain in the body is always produced by the brain, not the body. This means pain is a symptom of something; it is not usual to have pain with no cause for the pain.

Pain is almost always felt on the surface of the body, but it may be caused by something inside the body. Sometimes the pain is on the place that is causing the pain, and sometimes the pain is far away from the cause of the pain. Only a qualified person can tell the difference between the two.

Pain can also be divided into different types. There are pains like headaches and others like lower back pain. Sometimes the pain comes from an injury and sometimes the pain comes from the stomach or the lungs, while diseases can also be a cause of pain.

Most pains can be managed with medication; however, sometimes medication doesn’t work. In such cases, there are other options for the patient, such as seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor, surgeon or biokineticist, who are all qualified to help ease the pain.

Here are some steps to help manage pain:

When you feel pain, stop what you are doing and take note of exactly what it is you were doing, to be able to tell the doctor.

If you have a specific injury, try the following:

  • Elevate the part of the body that is sore.
  • Put a bandage on, if you can. Wrap the bandage firmly, but not too tightly.
  • Take the bandage off every now and then to apply an ice-pack. Wrap the ice in a wet towel or dishcloth. Apply the ice-pack for a maximum of 10 minutes. You can re-apply the ice-pack every hour if you would like to.
  • Let the injured part rest for a day or two. If it doesn’t get better, consult your doctor.

If there is no specific injury, rest and painkillers can help. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you don’t get better.

Note that some pains do feel better with rest, while other pains prefer movement. You should try to see which one works best for you. Your medical professional can help you with that.

Martin Elvey, MSc Physiotherapy (Wits) is a registered physiotherapist and lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He is the CEO of The Pain Care Group and has been working with managing pain for over 20 years. He teaches pain management and anatomy at Wits University.

The content in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for seeking any form of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it as a result of something you have read on this Website. Legal and Tax Services, their employees, agents and representatives, are hereby indemnified from any damages or consequential loss suffered for any reason whatsoever that may arise out of or in connection with any article published or made in good faith.

Recommended articles
Main Feature Image September 2025

LEGAL&YOU SEPTEMBER 2025

During September we celebrate Heritage Month & the rich cultures, stories, and traditions that shape South Africa. But heritage is not only about where we come from. It’s about the legacy we’re building today — through the choices we make for our rights, our families, our health, and our future.
Article
My AI Lawyer Feature Image September 2025

Heritage Isn’t Just Culture

From family land to customary marriages, your heritage carries hidden legal battles. Here’s how to defend it. Heritage Day is about more than tradition — it’s about protecting your legacy, family rights, and culture from hidden legal risks.
Article
Funeral Feature Image September 2025

Funeral Cover: A Simple Legacy of Care

More than half of South Africans don't have funeral cover, leaving their families scrambling to meet the high and immediate costs of a funeral.
Article
View our other information hubs