Chronic pain do not go it alone
March 12, 2014
Many stroke survivors have to deal with pain caused by their stroke. Headache, hemiplegic shoulder pain and neuropathic pain can all occur within the first month as well as longer term.
When pain lasts for three months or more, it is known as ‘chronic pain’ and can be incredibly challenging to live with. Pain experts emphasise, even if you can’t make your pain go away, it is almost always possible to reduce pain levels and, more importantly, to improve quality of life.
Some things that can help include:
Find a supportive general practitioner (GP) and tell them about your pain. Studies have shown many people with chronic pain are sometimes reluctant to discuss it with their GP. People don’t want to complain, especially when they are unsure whether there is anything which can be done to help. People also worry about the risk of dependency or side effects with prescribed medication. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to your GP about your pain and your GP is willing to work with you to find the best solution.
Consider multidisciplinary care. Pain is best managed using a team approach that is tailored to the individual. This may include allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology. GPs can arrange access to allied health services under the Chronic Disease Management Medicare items.
If you have private health insurance, check what allied health services are covered. If co-payment is a barrier, services from your local community health service may be an option.
Access a specialist pain clinic. A pain management clinic can provide special programs to help you learn to cope with chronic pain. Treatment is provided by a team who work together to address the variety of factors which may be contributing to your chronic pain. The clinic provides an environment for receiving treatments to restore your quality of life and levels of activity, even if the pain itself is not completely relieved. Your GP can arrange access to a pain clinic if appropriate.
Seek support. Be honest with trusted family and friends about your experiences. Ask for their help and support and take opportunities to talk about how you’re feeling. It’s common to worry about burdening others with your problems, but most people really do want to help. You may also find it helpful to talk to someone with similar experiences. The Australian Pain Management Association’s Pain Link telephone helpline is staffed by volunteers who live with chronic pain themselves. Call 1300 340 357.
More information
For information and advice, call StrokeLine on 1800 STROKE (787 653).
The Australian Pain Management Association website also has useful resources and links. Visit: www.painmanagement.org.au
When pain lasts for three months or more, it is known as ‘chronic pain’ and can be incredibly challenging to live with. Pain experts emphasise, even if you can’t make your pain go away, it is almost always possible to reduce pain levels and, more importantly, to improve quality of life.
Some things that can help include:
Find a supportive general practitioner (GP) and tell them about your pain. Studies have shown many people with chronic pain are sometimes reluctant to discuss it with their GP. People don’t want to complain, especially when they are unsure whether there is anything which can be done to help. People also worry about the risk of dependency or side effects with prescribed medication. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to your GP about your pain and your GP is willing to work with you to find the best solution.
Consider multidisciplinary care. Pain is best managed using a team approach that is tailored to the individual. This may include allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology. GPs can arrange access to allied health services under the Chronic Disease Management Medicare items.
If you have private health insurance, check what allied health services are covered. If co-payment is a barrier, services from your local community health service may be an option.
Access a specialist pain clinic. A pain management clinic can provide special programs to help you learn to cope with chronic pain. Treatment is provided by a team who work together to address the variety of factors which may be contributing to your chronic pain. The clinic provides an environment for receiving treatments to restore your quality of life and levels of activity, even if the pain itself is not completely relieved. Your GP can arrange access to a pain clinic if appropriate.
Seek support. Be honest with trusted family and friends about your experiences. Ask for their help and support and take opportunities to talk about how you’re feeling. It’s common to worry about burdening others with your problems, but most people really do want to help. You may also find it helpful to talk to someone with similar experiences. The Australian Pain Management Association’s Pain Link telephone helpline is staffed by volunteers who live with chronic pain themselves. Call 1300 340 357.
More information
For information and advice, call StrokeLine on 1800 STROKE (787 653).
The Australian Pain Management Association website also has useful resources and links. Visit: www.painmanagement.org.au