Chronic pain

Most people believe that pain is temporary and short lived, and that as soon as an injury heals the pain will go away. This is not always the case for pain from chronic illness. There may be pain without a clear cause. And medical professionals may not be able to pin-point the cause or know how to adequately treat it.

“This pain may not be warning you of damage occurring in the body so there is no longer a direct link between pain and harm being caused by the (preceding) injury or disease.” (Painmanagement.org.au)

With so many remedies out there for you to try, it is important to be careful and to talk to your health professional about what is best for you. Pain remedies can be divided into two groups – medical remedies and alternative therapies.

Pain relief options

• Surgical treatments such as removing a tumour or endometrial tissue.
• Pain relieving medications for example analgesics or codeine.
• Physical therapy such as using heat and ice, physiotherapy, massage, hydrotherapy or exercise.
• Psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, or meditation.
• Mind and body techniques such as acupuncture or breathing exercises.
• Occupational therapy
• Community support groups

For more in-depth information on pain see the Better Health Victoria and Pain Management websites.

Self-treatment

There are simple things that can help to reduce your pain, even by a little bit. How you deal with pain is very important. Many things can impact on how you feel about the pain you are experiencing, including looking after your general health. Firstly ask yourself:

“Have you eaten?”

“Are you hydrated?”

“Are you in a comfortable position?”

The following are easy and free solutions that can help. Check with health professional if they are right for you.

Myofacial release

There is connective tissue that joins all our muscles together. This tissue can hold tension and so releasing the tension can ease pain. If you have a roller or a ball to give yourself a massage.

Get moving

Movement can help to reduce pain, have a little stretch or walking to your letterbox to get some fresh air will be beneficial.

Heat and ice

Using heat and ice on painful areas can help to reduce pain. A soak in a hot bath filled with Epsom salts is a relaxing way to reduce pain.

Meditation

Doing something meditative such as meditating or doing a calming hobby can be extremely rewarding and may be beneficial for distracting from pain. A hobby doesn’t have to be skill based either just something you enjoy like reading or collaging.

Adapted from Healthline.