Information for Patients

To assist you in your preparing for pain management treatment

We recommend you watch the following resources from the Pain Management Network to help you understand your pain journey.

Video Resources

1. Introduction to Pain

In this episode, you will learn that chronic pain is different to acute pain. Chronic pain can be reduced when people understand how the nervous system works.

 

2. Getting help from your Healthcare Team

In this episode, you will learn that managing your pain is a team effort. You need to work and communicate closely with a healthcare team you can trust. Usually the centre of the team is your G P. This film introduces you to the idea of a personal pain management plan; something you develop and use to communicate with your healthcare team and to keep your on track.

3. Pain and Physical Activity

In this episode, you will learn that physical activity is vital to managing pain. Your muscles and joints need to move and stretch daily and your heart and lungs need exercise to keep them functioning well. You will learn some ideas about how to get started, how to set some realistic goals, and how to manage on the days when your pain is bad.

4. Lifestyle and Nutrition

In this episode, you will learn that what you eat and how much you drink can influence your experience of pain. Some foods are good for pain and some foods are not so good. Professor Clare Collins will guide you through dietary changes designed to help reduce your pain levels. She will also show you how to take a planned approach to healthy eating.

5. Pain and Role of Medications

In this episode, you will learn that medications are only part of a good pain management plan. Certainly, long term use of a number of pain medications have been found to be ineffective in controlling the intensity of pain you experience. All medications need to be reviewed regularly to ensure there is a benefit to your function and quality of life. Some people may benefit from long term medication use, but usually other strategies are required to support this. If you plan to reduce your medication, discuss this with your GP as other pain management techniques may be required to assist you through this process. Please note: This website has relevance to those with cancer pain or receiving palliative or residential care management. However, opiates may have a larger role to play in the management of chronic pain for these people.

6. Pain and Thoughts

In this episode, you will learn how negative thoughts and stressful life situations can influence pain. Feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety are commonly associated with chronic pain. Strategies such as meditation, relaxation and distraction are used by many very successfully to reduce pain. Practising these skills over time is helpful to achieve this.

7. Pain and Sleep

In this episode, you will learn that people with pain will often experience difficulties sleeping. There are things you can do to optimise your sleep, and therefore your pain management. Sleep goals should be developed and included in your pain management plan.

 

Text and video content copyright Pain Management Network, Agency for Clinical Innovation 2017. For more information please visit the Pain Management Network website.

Pain Management Resources

Links to to other useful resources on Pain

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Chronic Persistent Pain can be complex and may affect many aspects of your life including your Physical Health and Well Being, Sleep and Mental Status along with your Work, Finances, Relationship, Social Life and Everyday Routines.

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