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?
Statistics unveil that one in five sufferers admit to being diagnosed with depression as a result of the pain, 16% of which even considered suicide. The prospect that this pain will be with them their entire lives makes many people hopeless, and as physical pain becomes emotional, many fall into the grips of a dark depression.
Chronic pain does not only affect the sufferer " it affects everyone around them. The pain of the sufferer can be so distracting that it puts a lot of strain on relationships, even with friends and family. The survey revealed that 27% of the people burdened by chronic pain have noticed a deterioration in the relationships with their loved ones, so the sting of chronic pain reverberates both on a personal and a more social level.
While the survey was conducted in 2003, it is still very valid today, particularly with new medicines and treatments emerging in the medical field. Yet the medical system in the UK does have its limitations compared to those in the USA or Brazil. Many patients of chronic pain complain that British GPs are often reluctant to prescribe medication and do not provide them with a long-term solution for their problem.
In fact, two-fifths of the candidates surveyed argued that their pain had not been treated properly, despite having been to a GP numerous times. Some have even said that Britains GPs are just unsympathetic. Main management experts (including Dr Berverly Collett, President of the UK's Pain Society) agree, however, that not enough is being done to help sufferers live with and assuage their pain.
As a result, many people are turning away from modern medicine, and opt for visiting massage therapists and osteopaths for a more traditional approach to pain management. A lot of people report to be pleasantly surprised at how well this seems to work. Traditional techniques such as hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy have often proven to be more effective to targeting and eradicating pain than any pill offered at the local drugstore. This can be enough to give many chronic pain sufferers the strength and hope they are looking for, giving them back their ability to not only manage their pain, but also their relationships and happiness.
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?
Statistics unveil that one in five sufferers admit to being diagnosed with depression as a result of the pain, 16% of which even considered suicide. The prospect that this pain will be with them their entire lives makes many people hopeless, and as physical pain becomes emotional, many fall into the grips of a dark depression.
Chronic pain does not only affect the sufferer " it affects everyone around them. The pain of the sufferer can be so distracting that it puts a lot of strain on relationships, even with friends and family. The survey revealed that 27% of the people burdened by chronic pain have noticed a deterioration in the relationships with their loved ones, so the sting of chronic pain reverberates both on a personal and a more social level.
While the survey was conducted in 2003, it is still very valid today, particularly with new medicines and treatments emerging in the medical field. Yet the medical system in the UK does have its limitations compared to those in the USA or Brazil. Many patients of chronic pain complain that British GPs are often reluctant to prescribe medication and do not provide them with a long-term solution for their problem.
In fact, two-fifths of the candidates surveyed argued that their pain had not been treated properly, despite having been to a GP numerous times. Some have even said that Britains GPs are just unsympathetic. Main management experts (including Dr Berverly Collett, President of the UK's Pain Society) agree, however, that not enough is being done to help sufferers live with and assuage their pain.
As a result, many people are turning away from modern medicine, and opt for visiting massage therapists and osteopaths for a more traditional approach to pain management. A lot of people report to be pleasantly surprised at how well this seems to work. Traditional techniques such as hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy have often proven to be more effective to targeting and eradicating pain than any pill offered at the local drugstore. This can be enough to give many chronic pain sufferers the strength and hope they are looking for, giving them back their ability to not only manage their pain, but also their relationships and happiness.
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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