by Jan Finch (Anglican Church Grammar School)
Throughout the year, SASNA members meet, both in person and virtually, on five occasions to network, for support, discuss all things school nursing … and to engage in professional development. Guest speakers are welcomed to speak on areas of expertise relevant to school nursing.
To encourage members to reflect on what has been presented, we are encouraging them to write review pieces on the presentations (slides and video of which are also available to view in the MEMBERS AREA of the SASNA website).
Dr. Hayley Leake, a physiotherapist and pain researcher at the University of South Australia, recently delivered an insightful presentation titled The Mysterious Science of Pain, focusing on how children and adolescents experience and understand chronic pain. As part of Healthy Development Adelaide’s School Communicators for Schools program, Dr. Leake’s session aims to demystify pain and provide young audiences with the tools to better comprehend and manage their pain experiences.
Central to Dr. Leake’s presentation was the concept that pain is not merely a direct indicator of tissue damage, but a complex, protective response orchestrated by the brain. She emphasized that pain is a brain-generated experience influenced by various factors, including emotions, stress, and personal experiences. This perspective shifts the focus from viewing pain solely as a symptom of physical injury to understanding it as a multifaceted experience.
Dr. Leake highlighted that unhelpful beliefs about pain can hinder recovery. For instance, the misconception that pain always signifies tissue damage can lead individuals to avoid movement or activities, potentially exacerbating their condition. She advocated for pain science education as a means to empower individuals.
A significant portion of her research focuses on adolescents dealing with chronic pain. Dr. Leake identified several key learning objectives to aid young individuals in comprehending their pain: recognizing pain as a protective mechanism, understanding the brain’s role in pain perception, acknowledging the influence of various contributors to pain, and embracing the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and change. By educating adolescents about these concepts, she aims to alleviate fear and uncertainty, encouraging proactive engagement in recovery processes. To reach the target audience, Dr Leake’s research included adolescents in co-design of the research and subsequent education materials published online.
In summary, Dr. Hayley Leake’s presentation shed light on the intricate nature of pain, emphasizing the role of the brain and the influence of various factors on pain perception. Through education and a shift in perspective, individuals can better understand their pain and take active steps toward recovery. Her insights contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of pain science education as a therapeutic tool.
Read an abstract on Dr Hayley Leake’s research: Codesign and Evaluation of Pain Science Messages on Social Media With Adolescents With a History of Chronic Pain
Other research of interest includes: How does pain work? A qualitative analysis of how young adults with chronic pain conceptualize the biology of pain
Jan Finch’s is the first member review being published and, as such, she wins a copy of EXPLAIN PAIN (2nd edition) by David Butler & Lorimer Moseley, available to purchase at noigroup by using the link for $75 + GST.
