The previous post; “Pain what’s really going on?” Discussed pain from a medical and scientific point of view. It aimed to give you an understanding of how pain can be categorised, the variety of words to describe pain, and the normal healing times, which may help people avoid slipping into persistent or chronic states. This post will look at current best practice in treating ongoing pain and includes some videos links at the end.
Ways forward in pain management?
Over the last 15 years or so, many new and emerging approaches to treating pain are reaching a wider audience. As research shows, education is crucial to help people understand why we feel pain and how the brain reacts to pain. This should be patient-centred and easy to understand because it is critical in its self and can be transformational to recovery.
Unfortunately, these new management strategies and treatment options don’t seem to be readily available to all in the UK. Most people will have slipped into a persistent or chronic pain state before these options are suggested if available at all. Which means inadequate and outdated advice and treatment is still being given, putting people at risk of chronicity and a yo-yo cycle of suffering.
This is the only time I will use the word ‘suffering’ on the same page as pain because, in my opinion, it is not helpful or empowering. While I acknowledge its association and for some people it’s importance, because I hear it daily, there is more beneficial language to use.
Side note: The language we use about pain is fundamental. As someone who has lived through several (too many) physical traumas, and the subsequent long periods of utterly debilitating and poorly managed pain, plus the associated emotional fallout. The dark humour on a smiley face I often used to get through the challenging days, weeks and sometimes months did not always aid my recovery. Nor did my jokey references to being broken, which were further reinforced by being put into the “broken healer tribe” by some well-meaning educators as I changed career. All this did was embedded a belief that recovery was not possible.
I wore the broken healer badge with pride, well it seemed a gift and a hard-fought-for one at that, so why would I want to give that up?! Then, much later with the benefit of more in-depth knowledge, things changed. New wisdom, different influencers, and the simple weary need for a change, I didn’t need not wear that badge in the same way.
My experiences of living with pain have given me insight, compassion and resilience, and a no-nonsense let’s keep trying belief. It made me go looking for answers, retrain and then share the best of what I found with the people who crossed my path in need of help, and ready to step into the improving their wellbeing journey. I appreciate that I say this now from a place of awareness, knowledge, self-reflection with enormous resources at hand. Yep, hindsight is a wonderful and annoying thing.
Did you know …
That an over a sensitised nervous system can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body, which makes sense when you think about the number of people who experience abdominal pain. Or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms when they feel stressed or get headaches when the pressure builds to meet a deadline.
Healing pain – 7 facts
- While it’s important to acknowledge that pain is a real sensation, try not to give it too much attention, as this can make discomfort feel more intense.
- The association between pain and damage is not helpful and in almost all cases, simply not at true.
- Injured tissues will heal within 6 weeks to 6 months.
- Emotions may come up so observe and acknowledge them, but you can choose not to give them too much meaning or space.
- Be engaged and active in your activities; it might be a cliché, but “motion is the lotion to health”.
- Create balance by noticing the parts of your body are at ease, feel comfortable and pain-free.
- Pain recovery education is a brilliant and meaningful way to build resilience and understanding that recovery from chronic pain is possible.
Self help strategies
There are lots of simple self-empowering strategies and tips which can help people recover from ongoing pain. Even if you have tried them all without success, it’s always worth another go. The recovery process requires some trial and error, and dedication too. I know from personal experience that some options that didn’t work the first time around, or I dismissed were more successful on another occasion – right time, the right support and the right mindset.
Using a multi-factorial approach is often the most effective way forward. Studies and clinical experience show that people achieve the best results with a holistic mind-body approach. Set some goals with a health professional to help you gain back control. Eat well, move daily, and get enough rest. Work with a movement or physical therapist to develop your movement confidence. Get emotional or psychological support if needed. Don’t expect a quick fix magic bullet result but understand that full recovery is possible.
Goals should include the following considerations:
- Reprogramming the nervous system to dial down the pain signal and create more appropriate internal conditions.
- A graded exercise programme or movement practice to restore confidence, balance, and strength to the whole body.
- Hands-on treatment such as osteopathy or massage can be useful too. Releasing tight and contracted muscles can aid circulation and blood flow. While treating sensitised trigger points can help flush out and reduce inflammation.
- Cranial osteopathy can be beneficial to address underlying physical stress and help people who struggle to get comfortable or relax.
- Meditation, mindfulness and clinical hypnotherapy can be brilliant ways to address underlying stress, negative beliefs and fixed or closed mindsets, they are also profoundly relaxing options too.
More information
Where do you find more information that will help you navigate this complex field? The resource I reach for time and time again is the book Explain Pain by Prof. Lorimer Molesley and Dr David Butler. The print version is expensive and sometimes tricky to find but worth every penny at between £50.00 – £90.00, and the digital copy will cost you less than a round of drinks at £18.00. Fortunately, both authors also have reams of information on the web, usually in the form of filmed talks and lectures, which include meaningful case studies and peppered with lots of Aussie humour which makes listening to this complex subject more enjoyable.
Summary
Pain is an unpleasant sensory experience that can range from mild localised discomfort to whole-body encompassing physical and emotional agony. Understanding how this complex protective system can go haywire and push people into chronic pain states can help find lasting solutions and recovery. I hope this article answers some questions and helps you on that journey.
Video links
Note: Each link will open in a new tab on youtube.
Professor Lorimer Molesley, “Why things hurt?”
Dr. David Butler “Treating Pain Using the Brain”
Here is a link to a short animation “What is Chronic Pain?
Thriving, inside and out 