Pain is never a pleasant experience, but in most cases, it passes, and we emerge as stronger people because of it. Unfortunately, this does not hold true for everyone. Whether it be muscle problems or arthritis, some must live with pain for their entire lives.
A survey published by the BBC in 2003 reveals that more and more people under the age of 50 suffer from chronic pain, and examines how this affects their lives. In the survey, 46,000 people were interviewed (3,000 of whom were from the UK), and the resulting statistics revealed that chronic pain has bigger impact on individuals than previously thought. Not only do individuals suffer from their own inability to complete often simple tasks, but their relationships are affected in addition to their mental health. But why does this occur?
The survey confirms that one in five sufferers has been diagnosed with depression as a direct result of the pain, and 16% of these had even considered committing suicide. The thought of having to live a lifetime of pain proves to be overwhelming for many, and as their physical pain turns emotional, they are fighting an uphill battle.
Yet chronic pain does not only impact the sufferer " it impacts those around them as well. The individual often becomes so distracted by their pain that it puts pressure on their relationship with others. According to the survey, 27% have noticed deterioration in the relationship with their friends and family, so it becomes evident that chronic pain affects people both on a personal and social level.
Even though the survey was conducted in 2003, it still bears relevance today, particularly since new medicines and treatments are surfacing every year. Yet if we compare the British medical system to others " such as the American or Brazilian one, it does appear that the British models have many limitations. Sufferers of chronic pain have been quoted saying that British doctors are often reluctant to prescribe medication, and only provide them with quick-fixes for their problems rather than long-term solutions.
In fact, two-fifths of the people surveyed maintained that their pain was not brought under control, despite having been advised by a doctor. Some have even gone as far as to say that Britains GPs are unsympathetic. Many pain management experts (Dr Berverly Collett, President of the UK's Pain Society among them) agree, however, that not enough is being done to help sufferers cope with the pain, and to minimize it.
Instead, many people are looking to massage therapy and osteopathy for more traditional approaches to pain management, and are turning their backs on modern medicine. The majority of them claim to be surprised at how well these traditional techniques work: hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy prove to tackle pain more effectively than aspirins. This might be the ray of sunshine many chronic pain sufferers are looking for; not only are they able to exert control over their pain, but also their relationships and happiness. - 20765
A survey published by the BBC in 2003 reveals that more and more people under the age of 50 suffer from chronic pain, and examines how this affects their lives. In the survey, 46,000 people were interviewed (3,000 of whom were from the UK), and the resulting statistics revealed that chronic pain has bigger impact on individuals than previously thought. Not only do individuals suffer from their own inability to complete often simple tasks, but their relationships are affected in addition to their mental health. But why does this occur?
The survey confirms that one in five sufferers has been diagnosed with depression as a direct result of the pain, and 16% of these had even considered committing suicide. The thought of having to live a lifetime of pain proves to be overwhelming for many, and as their physical pain turns emotional, they are fighting an uphill battle.
Yet chronic pain does not only impact the sufferer " it impacts those around them as well. The individual often becomes so distracted by their pain that it puts pressure on their relationship with others. According to the survey, 27% have noticed deterioration in the relationship with their friends and family, so it becomes evident that chronic pain affects people both on a personal and social level.
Even though the survey was conducted in 2003, it still bears relevance today, particularly since new medicines and treatments are surfacing every year. Yet if we compare the British medical system to others " such as the American or Brazilian one, it does appear that the British models have many limitations. Sufferers of chronic pain have been quoted saying that British doctors are often reluctant to prescribe medication, and only provide them with quick-fixes for their problems rather than long-term solutions.
In fact, two-fifths of the people surveyed maintained that their pain was not brought under control, despite having been advised by a doctor. Some have even gone as far as to say that Britains GPs are unsympathetic. Many pain management experts (Dr Berverly Collett, President of the UK's Pain Society among them) agree, however, that not enough is being done to help sufferers cope with the pain, and to minimize it.
Instead, many people are looking to massage therapy and osteopathy for more traditional approaches to pain management, and are turning their backs on modern medicine. The majority of them claim to be surprised at how well these traditional techniques work: hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy prove to tackle pain more effectively than aspirins. This might be the ray of sunshine many chronic pain sufferers are looking for; not only are they able to exert control over their pain, but also their relationships and happiness. - 20765
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Leeds osteopath. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.
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