It is never easy being in pain, but for many of us, it eases over time, and makes us stronger in the end. But not everyone is that lucky. For some, pain " whether it is caused by muscle problems or migraines " can linger for a lifetime.
In 2003, the BBC published the results of a survey which revealed that an increased number of people under the age of 50 are suffering from chronic pain. 3,000 out the 46,000 interviewed were from the UK, and the survey looked at the ways in which chronic pain influenced peoples lifestyles. The results made evident that chronic pain impacts people in more ways than one " not did sufferers find it difficult to complete ordinary tasks, but their relationships were heavily affected, causing some to fall into severe depression. But why does this happen?
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 burden the sufferer " it also affects those around them. The individual often becomes so distracted by their pain that it strains their relationship even with their closest friends or relatives. According to the survey, 27% have noticed a deterioration in the relationship with their loved ones, so it becomes evident that chronic pain resonates on both a personal as well as a 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.
Indeed, two-fifths of the people interviewed complained that their pain still hadnt abated a little, even though they had been advised by a medical professional. A few have even gone as far as to say that Britains GPs are unsympathetic. Various pain management experts (Dr Berverly Collett, President of the UK's Pain Society among them) agree, however, that Britains doctors are not doing enough to help sufferers deal with their chronic pain and minimize their symptoms.
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. - 16650
In 2003, the BBC published the results of a survey which revealed that an increased number of people under the age of 50 are suffering from chronic pain. 3,000 out the 46,000 interviewed were from the UK, and the survey looked at the ways in which chronic pain influenced peoples lifestyles. The results made evident that chronic pain impacts people in more ways than one " not did sufferers find it difficult to complete ordinary tasks, but their relationships were heavily affected, causing some to fall into severe depression. But why does this happen?
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 burden the sufferer " it also affects those around them. The individual often becomes so distracted by their pain that it strains their relationship even with their closest friends or relatives. According to the survey, 27% have noticed a deterioration in the relationship with their loved ones, so it becomes evident that chronic pain resonates on both a personal as well as a 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.
Indeed, two-fifths of the people interviewed complained that their pain still hadnt abated a little, even though they had been advised by a medical professional. A few have even gone as far as to say that Britains GPs are unsympathetic. Various pain management experts (Dr Berverly Collett, President of the UK's Pain Society among them) agree, however, that Britains doctors are not doing enough to help sufferers deal with their chronic pain and minimize their symptoms.
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. - 16650
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical director of the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions and Hereford osteopaths. The Osteopath Network has more than 550 clinics located throughout the UK and offers treatment at weekends and after hours.
