Because our bodies are ‘programmed’ to understand pain as a warning sign, our natural reaction is often to protect the affected area from further harm – perhaps by resting it completely, by using it less than usual or by supporting it. We now understand a lot more about pain, the brain and pain nerve networks. We know that to remove persistent pain permanently is an impossible task. In fact often people find that when they focus on trying to solve their pain, their pain systems actually become more sensitive. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in joints has become damaged, disrupting the smooth gliding motion of the joint surfaces. The result is pain, swelling, and deformity. The pain of osteoarthritis typically increases with joint use and decreases with rest. Some people can’t take painkillers because of other health problems. Some have tried them and found the side-effects weren’t worth it. Others have never found anything that helped, and some people find that even though painkillers helped to begin with they later stopped working and so chose to stop taking them. Chronic pain can be a consequence of trauma (e.g. surgery, car or work accident, a fall). It can be a consequence of a minor injury which leaves ongoing pain. Sometimes the long term nature of the pain is not indicating ongoing disease or damage. Having a comfortable workspace and control over your activities can reduce stress and contribute to the sense of mastery over pain.



When pain, fear or other symptoms arise, practice just sitting with them. Observe them and allow your mind to engage with them without fear. Label them as sensations rather than as pain, anxiety or other symptoms. This is very important and will help you shift away from your symptoms. Involutional changes progressing in the organism of an old person, combined with numerous chronic diseases occurring in old age, cause approx 85% of the elderly to suffer from pain. Biofeedback, according to the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, is a process that enables individuals to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. This treatment is used for a variety of chronic pain and other medical conditions. Did you know that for every inch the head moves forward in posture, its weight on your neck and upper back muscles increases by 10 pounds? Healthcare providers recommend holistic treatments such as Prolotherapy as an alternative to traditional painkillers.

Adopting Health Habits

If you’re reading this, you likely already know that there is a large — but largely silent — problem of chronic pain in the country. Some people do more on good days, and only rest on bad days. Sometimes this means you get a lot done on good days, but end up having a bad day afterwards. This makes it hard to plan anything, and can leave you feeling as if you aren't in control of your life. Your activity levels go up and down all the time. Massage involves various techniques of manipulating soft tissues through the use of (normally manual) pressure, traction, vibration, and other means. Prolotherapy is not a surgical treatment. Because of this, it is also known as a regenerative joint injection or non-surgical ligament and tendon reconstruction. Consider keeping a chronic pain journal. By writing detailed notes you can help your pain treatment team identify what makes your pain better or worse, how long it typically lasts, how well pain medication is working, and any possible side effects. Persistent or chronic pain (long-lasting pain that goes on for more than three months, or past normal tissue healing time) will usually involve the pain system becoming overprotective. This means that you can have pain even when your tissues are actually safe. Is it true that you can really rub away your pain with a massage? Many people with chronic pain turn to massage to ease their pain, reduce stress, and decrease anxiety and depression. People in pain often talk about ‘carrying on regardless’ or ‘pushing through’ and may feel that ignoring difficult emotions is the best approach. However, recognising some of the negative feelings and thoughts you may experience can be helpful in managing your pain in the long term, as well as reducing some of the suffering it can cause. Negative feelings like depression, anxiety, stress, and anger can increase the body's sensitivity to pain. By learning to take control of stress, you may find some relief from chronic pain.

Non-pharmacologic alternative therapies for pain have been around for a long time, some for hundreds of years. They have been used throughout history to treat many issues. Treating the body is only one part of managing chronic pain. You also need to be sure your mind and your emotions are supporting your treatment. Increasing understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of pain is making new therapeutic strategies accessible. Chronic pain usually means pain that has lasted for at least three months. Sometimes pain lasting six months or more is defined as chronic pain. It can be confusing, as these terms are all used to mean the same thing. If we are in pain, we need comfort, support, recognition, and help if we are to make the best of our days in pain. One can unearth extra facts appertaining to Ways Out of Pain on this the NHS web page.