Managing Pain

Everyone is familiar with the experience of being in pain for short periods of time, for example following minor injury, and usually this type of pain resolves on its own, or following simple medical treatment. For some people, however, their pain is long-lasting (chronic) and cannot currently be effectively relieved by medical intervention.

The absence of an effectivetreatment can, all too often, be taken to imply that such pain is 'All in the mind'. This conclusion frequently serves to increase frustration and distress, not only for the sufferer, but also for their families and/or significant others.

MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN on a day to day basis can pose a significant challenge since work, leisure and family activities can all be affected. there may, in addition, be psychological consequences such as worry, fear, anger, Depression, and difficulties in sleeping; these in turn, can effect the experience of pain itself. The result is a vicious circle, whereby the individual finds it hard to see a way through.