In this blog post, we explore a new and thought-provoking approach to understanding pain that goes beyond traditional models. While the widely accepted biopsychosocial model has made strides in integrating biological, psychological, and social factors, it remains limited by fragmented application and dualistic thinking. This article introduces the enactive approach to pain, a concept rooted in phenomenology and cognitive science, which redefines pain as a dynamic and relational process. Rather than isolating pain to the mind or the body, this approach views it as embodied, embedded, enacted, emotive, and extended — a holistic perspective that acknowledges the complex interplay between our body, our environment, and our experiences. Read on to discover how this paradigm shift could revolutionize pain treatment and understanding.
PainSA is a chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Our mission is to improve all aspects of pain management in Southern Africa.
We are a multidisciplinary society whose membership includes all healthcare professionals