Chronic Pain
What is chronic pain?
Chronic or persistent pain continues for 3 months or more and may not respond to standard medical treatment.
Chronic pain is shown to have the largest negative impact on quality of life of any health condition. The impact of pain on people’s lives is variable and can cause sleeplessness, depression and interfere with normal physical and social functioning. It can be disabling and frustrating for many people to manage. Chronic pain can also affect relationships with family, friends and work colleagues.
How can I manage chronic pain?
Many people with chronic pain see their health care professional for treatment, help and support. In addition, there are many ways that you can manage your condition, to help reduce the impact of pain on your daily life.
These include:
- Staying active – stretching and exercise help to reduce pain and discomfort. It prepares the body for other activities and can help to build muscle and joint strength as well as your confidence.
- Goal setting and pacing – set realistic goals or action plans to help you manage your condition and pace your daily activities to avoid overdoing things.
- Relaxation – relaxation can help release tense muscles and unwind the mind. Distracting yourself with a hobby, dancing, listening to music and deep breathing can help to make a difference.
- Set back plan – developing a set back plan will help you to understand what triggers your pain condition and how to cope at the most difficult times.
- Talking– discussing your condition with your GP, practice nurse, family members, friends or someone else living with chronic pain, can help you to understand more about self managing your condition.
- Self management programmes – attending voluntary or support groups may help you to share your experiences with others in the same or similar position as you.
Local support and information
PALS
PALS stands for Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme. It is the local Exercise Referral Scheme which offers support and encouragement to inactive people who want to make a difference to their health and quality of life by becoming more active.
Revive
There is a specific PALS programme for people with chronic pain (Revive). A gentle exercise programme designed to promote a range of movement and increase involvement in daily activities. There are warmer water programmes provided at local sport centres.
Contact: 01484 234095
Email: physicalactivity.development@kirklees.gov.uk
Expert Patient Programme
Expert patient Programmes provide a range of self help skills to help you manage your condition
Contact Joanne Gould, Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator on 01924 351431 or email Joanne.Gould@kirklees.nhs.uk
Visit: http://www.kirklees.nhs.uk/get-involved/expert-patients-programme/
Kirklees Weight Management Service - “Healthy Weight for Kirklees”
Kirklees Weight Management Service helps people manage their weight through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular physical activity. It offers a range of programmes to support people in living in Kirklees to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. your health care professional can refer you.
For more details visit: http://www.kirklees.nhs.uk/your-health/weight-management/
Kirklees Smoking Cessation service
Get free confidential expert advice and support.
http://www.kirklees.nhs.uk/your-health/stop-smoking-support
For more information about the project and help to stop smoking contact the Kirklees Stop Smoking Service on: 01924 351498 for the Dewsbury/Batley/Spen area and 01484 344285 for the Huddersfield area.
Visit following websites for more information:
Pain Toolkit Booklet (Download)
The pain toolkit is a useful guide to managing chronic pain.
