What Does Pain Mean to You? Is Relief of Pain Always a Good Thing?

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Pain is one of the most common personal experiences which virtually all humans can have during their lifetime. It is a subjective occurence which often cannot be easily quantitated and compared between individuals since it appears that each individual looks at his or her pain in their own way. Pain may be viewed by the affected individual in the context of the source of the pain, the intensity, the disability and the effect the individual's disability from the pain on others including his or her loved ones and the possibility for resolution of the pain either spontaneously or with help. In addition, religious or spiritual interpretations can be given to one's pains and how the individual responds may depend on how the individual looks at and accepts these interpretations. The medical profession in modern and post-modern times, with availability more and more tools or approaches to try to relieve pain, has looked at pain as a symptom needing to be treated by these tools and either substantially relieved or eliminated. Most patients look to their physicans to do just that. And many ethical issues have involved conflicts regarding pain and suffering and pain management. But do all patients find that relief of pain is a good action? And if not, why not?