Ledbury Focus November 2019 Ledbury Focus November 2019 v3 | Page 36

Treatment for Chronic Pain by Helen Mawson, BSc Hons, DIpM, BTAA, BAUK, KFRP In this article, I would like to share with you some information con- cerning chronic pain, what it is, how it can affect the individual and how I work in practice to help clients suffering from this condition. Contact me for more information I have clinics in Ledbury and Corse, Gloucestershire Contact me on: T: 01531 579 035 M: 07904 457 075 or email me at helen@complete -balance. co.uk You can also find out more information and article on my brand-new website: www.complete-balance. co.uk Newsletter Sign up for my newsletter via my website in order to receive health information and promotional offers. 36 What is Chronic Pain? Chronic pain is a type of pain that has been present over a long period of time; generally, if pain has persisted or reoccurs over a period of 3 months it is referred to as chronic. Chronic pain may be related to a condition such as arthritis or diabetes or it may be the pain that results from an injury such as whiplash, or pain that results from an operation after normal other healing has taken place. It may, however, have no detectable cause from an injury, operation or illness. In a National pain audit conducted in 2009, it was reported that each year in the UK over 5 million people develop chronic pain and only two-thirds of these will recover. It is clear that much more needs to be done to improve outcomes for patients with this condition. Services across the UK differ greatly from one NHS Trust to another but treatment comprising some of the following tends to be common: physiotherapy, talking therapies such as counselling or CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), drug therapy and occasionally other holistic therapies, such as Acupuncture, are also made available. The effects of chronic pain The effects of chronic pain can vary significantly from individual to individual, depending on the illness the individual is dealing with. The psychological effects of chronic pain are a major consideration in any treatment regime. Self-help tips to manage chronic pain Some self-help tips that may help with chronic pain include: t
Meditation / Mindfulness t
Gentle Stretching t
Gentle Tai Chi t
Gentle Yoga t
Supplementation of specific minerals i.e. Magnesium NB: The efficacy of the above will vary from person to person and the type of pain they are dealing with. It is a good idea to seek advice before commencing with any of these. To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]