EXTENT OF PROBLEM
Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting around 10% of adults.
Impact of pain on their lives varies from minor restrictions to complete loss of independence.
WHAT IS CHRONIC PAIN
Pain is best defined as a sensory and emotional experience, as described by the person
suffering pain, whether or not a cause can be identified. Chronic pain is long-lasting pain which has not been relieved by
treating the cause, if known, or by trying to relieve the pain itself. For this reason, it usually refers to pain arising
from conditions which are not life threatening, for instance, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, recurrent headache.
CAUSES
Pain represents activity in the nervous system. Often this signals danger, and prompts
us to take the necessary action. In chronic pain, even when it started with an injury, pain can arise where no damage or harm
is involved, through complex patterns of overactivity in the nervous system. Unfortunately, we are not yet able to "switch
off" this overactivity.
MOOD
People with chronic pain are often unhappy or depressed, they may also be worried about
the pain and its implications. They often describe themselves as frustrated by the ways in which pain limits them, and by
the lack of a medical solution.
THOUGHT AND BELIEFS
It is very hard not to attend to pain, unless it is mild, and to want to stop it, even
though many previous efforts have failed. Worries about it may be about the physical meaning of the pain, and whether it means
disease or damage, and about the emotional cost to the sufferer. The depressed person may think that the pain has taken away
all that is important to them in their lives and that the future only holds further losses and isolation.
BEHAVIOUR AND MOTIVATION
Responding to high levels of pain as a danger signal tends to mean resting, and sparing
the painful area by using physical supports and aids. However, over the long term these contribute to disability. It is common
to get into cycles of overexertion to try to achieve goals, followed by rest to recover from the pain which results. In addition,
seeking medical help often ends in disappointment, and sometimes in unnecessary and damaging treatments.
TREATMENT
Once the pain sufferer has been properly investigated and the identified cause treated, but
without success, the pain itself becomes the focus of dug, physical and electrical attempts to block it. If these do not work,
or work well enough, the focus becomes pain management, attempting to rebuild as satisfying a life as possible despite continuing
pain. Part of this consists of physical methods and practical problem solving to regain valued and necessary activities, and
confidence and pleasure in them. These new habits can be applied to minimise the impact of pain in all areas of life. Another
part consists of examining the beliefs and thoughts which lead to worries or depression, and challenging the using accurate
information, new experiences in regaining activity, and appreciation of personal and social resources.
Pain management is usually delivered by a team - at the minimum, a psychologist and a physiotherapist following screening
by a doctor experienced in pain treatments. At best, pain sufferers return to happy and productive lifestyles; at least, they
recognise that they are not alone, and broaden their range of coping strategies.
SOURCE:
BABCP - www.babcp.com
BABCP General Office
Globe Centre
PO Box 9
Accrington, BB5 2GD
Tel: 01254 875277
Fax: 01254 239114
email: babcp@babcp.com
