Chronic pain
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain, sometimes described as persistent pain, refers to pain which lasts for longer than 12 weeks, despite medication or treatment being prescribed. Usually, over time, pain settles, but in some cases it can go on for a long time, affecting mental well-being, and causing discomfort and distress to those experiencing it.
Chronic pain is relatively common, with estimates from a 2018 BMJ study putting prevalence in the UK at 43%.
What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain can happen as a result of an injury, or after an operation. Normally the pain we feel after trauma goes away after a while, but in some cases the pain can be chronic. Nerves can be damaged after trauma, which results in pain being more intense, and lasting longer.
Those with certain conditions can also experience chronic pain, such as those with diabetes, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel conditions, endometriosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and back pain.
Chronic pain can also occur without any obvious cause or trigger. This can be frustrating as medical tests do not always show the reason behind why you are experiencing the pain, or offer a clear source.
What are the symptoms of chronic pain?
Chronic pain refers to symptoms of pain lasting over 12 weeks, but you may also experience some of the following symptoms as a result of pain affecting your physical and emotional health:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Lack of sleep
- Loss of libido
- Fatigue
- Irritability
How is chronic pain treated?
While it was once treated by bed rest, it is now known that the key to recovering from chronic pain is through exercise, and resuming normal activities. This is because resting for long periods causes your body to stiffen through inactivity. It is also not good for your mental health, as you can begin to feel lonely, and feelings of depression. Chronic pain is now typically managed through a combination of resuming regular activity, exercise, physical therapy, and pain medication.
Some may also choose to visit or be referred to a psychologist to help them cope with feelings of anxiety or depression.
Speak to your GP to come up with a treatment plan and for specialist referral if necessary. Many doctors can help with chronic pain, including pain management specialists, sports medicine doctors, rheumatologists, and neurologists.
Nerve block to combat chronic knee pain
By Dr Sarang Puranik
2020-03-06
In need of knee pain relief? Expert pain medicine specialist Dr Sarang Puranik explains a very simple procedure, the genicular nerve block, that can alleviate chronic pain and reduce the need for long-term painkillers. See more
Fluoroscopic guided injections: how technology delivers safer pain relief treatment
By Dr Yaser Mehrez
2020-03-03
Pain medicine is one of the fastest-growing medical specialties. The advancement in technology has helped in the development of new treatments to deliver effective pain relief interventions, such as fluoroscopic guided injections. Dr Yaser Mehrez, a consultant in pain medicine, give us a rundown of how they are performed and the type of treatments you can receive. See more
Understanding and managing chronic pain
By Dr John Tanner
2020-03-02
Chronic pain, broadly speaking, is pain persisting for more than three months. However, this may be an acute injury which has failed to heal or a problem that has defied diagnosis. Dr John Tanner, a top sports medicine specialist, gives us some insight into what defines chronic pain and how it can be managed. See more
Radiofrequency denervation to treat lower back pain
By Dr Giancarlo Camilleri
2020-03-02
Do you live with unbearable lower back pain? Do you have trouble moving your legs or walking? One of our pain management specialists Dr Giancarlo Camilleri explains radiofrequency denervation as a treatment option for chronic sufferers. See more
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Dr (Susan) Ese Stacey
Sports medicineExpert in:
- Joint pain
- Chronic pain
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Injuries diagnosis
- Chondromalacia (runner's knee)
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Dr Yaser Mehrez
Pain medicineExpert in:
- Epidural infiltration
- Pain treatment
- Radiofrequency treatment
- Back pain
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
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Professor Andrew Kuczmierczyk
PsychologyExpert in:
- Cognitive behavioural therapies
- Behavioural problems
- Chronic pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Prime Health Weybridge, Horizon Business Village No 10 & 11, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ
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Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Prime Health Weybridge, Horizon Business Village No 10 & 11, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ, GuildfordExpert in:
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