Abordajes teóricos para comprender el dolor humano

Abstract

This article presents pain as the most frequent symptom with which health problems are identified. To support the comprehension of its complex nature, it propose ways to classify it, according to its origin, duration, intensity, localization and speed of conduction. Moreover, it presents some theories to explain the nature of pain experience, such as the one of specific pain and pain model, two theories about pain perception, including control theory of entries and theory of endorphins and non opium, theory of multiple receptors of opium for pain sensation, theory of psychological pain as an important contribution for nursing, theories of medium range of unpleasant symptoms, of equilibrium between analgesia and side effects. The article ends presenting a brief analysis of the utility of a theoretical approach about pain for nursing practice.