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.
A survey published by the BBC in 2003 reports that many people under the age of 50 suffer from chronic pain. The survey involved the interviewing of 46,000 people " 3,000 of them being from the UK "and examined the ways in which chronic pain impacts peoples lives. The results were rather shocking " it was found that peoples relationships were often affected, their ability to complete daily tasks compromised, and that it has even led some to consider suicide. 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.
Even though the survey was conducted in 2003, it still bears relevance today, particularly since new medicines and treatments are surfacing every year. Yet if we compare the British medical system to others " such as the American or Brazilian one, it does appear that the British models have many limitations. Sufferers of chronic pain have been quoted saying that British doctors are often reluctant to prescribe medication, and only provide them with quick-fixes for their problems rather than long-term solutions.
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.
Instead, many people are looking to massage therapy and osteopathy for more traditional approaches to pain management, and are turning their backs on modern medicine. The majority of them claim to be surprised at how well these traditional techniques work: hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy prove to tackle pain more effectively than aspirins. This might be the ray of sunshine many chronic pain sufferers are looking for; not only are they able to exert control over their pain, but also their relationships and happiness.
A survey published by the BBC in 2003 reports that many people under the age of 50 suffer from chronic pain. The survey involved the interviewing of 46,000 people " 3,000 of them being from the UK "and examined the ways in which chronic pain impacts peoples lives. The results were rather shocking " it was found that peoples relationships were often affected, their ability to complete daily tasks compromised, and that it has even led some to consider suicide. 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.
Even though the survey was conducted in 2003, it still bears relevance today, particularly since new medicines and treatments are surfacing every year. Yet if we compare the British medical system to others " such as the American or Brazilian one, it does appear that the British models have many limitations. Sufferers of chronic pain have been quoted saying that British doctors are often reluctant to prescribe medication, and only provide them with quick-fixes for their problems rather than long-term solutions.
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.
Instead, many people are looking to massage therapy and osteopathy for more traditional approaches to pain management, and are turning their backs on modern medicine. The majority of them claim to be surprised at how well these traditional techniques work: hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy prove to tackle pain more effectively than aspirins. This might be the ray of sunshine many chronic pain sufferers are looking for; not only are they able to exert control over their pain, but also their relationships and happiness.
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical director of the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions and Brighton osteopaths. The Osteopath Network has more than 550 clinics located throughout the UK and offers treatment at weekends and after hours.
No comments:
Post a Comment