#Painchanging at Hunter Pain Specialists

“We often hear people describe trying a new pain management tool as a ‘gamechanger’, so we have created the theme #painchanger as a play on words to raise awareness of the sometimes unknown and stigmatised #painchanging tools and services.” - Chronic Pain Australia

Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. There are a multitude of ways to treat pain, and effective pain management is about creating a personalised treatment plan that combines different approaches. Treatment is delivered by a team of healthcare professionals, such as pain physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

By combining different therapies, a personalised pain management plan can provide significant pain relief and greatly improve quality of life for those living with pain. If you are struggling with chronic pain, consult with healthcare professionals to develop a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs and enhances your overall well-being.

Strategies for Managing Pain

There are various classes of medications for pain. Over-the-counter medications include paracetamol and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Prescription medications include stronger pain killers and medications for specific types of pain. For example, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants are recommended for neuropathic (nerve) pain. Muscle relaxants can help with pain due to muscle spasms. There are also topical creams and patches for local pain relief.

Physical therapy is an important part of any pain management plan, especially for people with musculoskeletal conditions. The goal is to provide pain relief and enhance movement, strength, and flexibility. Recommended therapies include guided exercise and stretching, manual therapy, massage therapy, and more.

Psychological therapies also play a vital role, especially when pain affects mental health. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours about pain. Psychologists can also teach coping strategies and encourage healthy lifestyle changes, which can reduce pain and improve sleep and social life. Mindfulness-based meditation is another helpful option that is effective at reducing stress and pain.

Medical procedures offer advanced options that target the source of pain. These range from minimally invasive injections and nerve ablation therapies to block pain-generating nerves, to more complex options, such as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug pump therapy.

Self-management strategies allow people to take control of their pain. Resources such as the “Manage Your Pain” book provide valuable tips for self-help and self-directed learning.