Pain is also a subjective experience. The sad truth is that there are many occasions when pain is inexplicable in terms of current investigative techniques and knowledge. Unfortunately, some people, including professionals who should know better, will use this lack of a discernable cause as an excuse to blame the patient. Malingering and Secondary gain are labels that are often attached to patients where the cause of the pain is unknown, or where they fail to respond to treatment. The reality is that pain is a complex personal experience.
Nobody enjoys being in pain.
Frustrated doctors or workers compensation assessors most commonly express this idea. It seems to be an attempt to subjugate the pain sufferer. Secondary gain is the medical jargon for any benefit the patient gains from having the pain. Secondary gain is always talked about in negative terms. But secondary gains such as attention and assistance from others are appropriate when pain limits activity or financial compensation is due for a work-related accident.