CHRONIC PAIN

Chronic pain can interfere with things like sleep patterns and essential everyday functions. If these are compromised, and the patient has to adjust daily life due to pain, their brain will start to approach the pain differently, and they, therefore, have a reasonably good chance of developing depression. The effects of persistent pain may sound intense, and perhaps even exaggerated; but those who experience it truly understand just how debilitating it can be.

Research shows us that the brain reacts differently to long lasting pain than it does to short-term pain. When the body experiences the former, it can change the central nervous system and processes in the body that would otherwise inhibit pain.

The management of chronic pain is very complex, and consists of physiotherapy for pain relief, stress management, exercise, medication and education regarding lifestyle adjustments.