Pain is never a pleasant experience, but in most cases, it passes, and we emerge as stronger people because of it. Unfortunately, this does not hold true for everyone. Whether it be muscle problems or arthritis, some must live with pain for their entire lives.
In 2003, the BBc published the results of a survey which revealed that an increased number of people under the age of 50 are suffering from chronic pain. 3,000 out the 46,000 interviewed were from the UK, and the survey looked at the ways in which chronic pain influenced peoples lifestyles. The results made evident that chronic pain impacts people in more ways than one " not did sufferers find it difficult to complete ordinary tasks, but their relationships were heavily affected, causing some to fall into severe depression. 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 affect the sufferer " it affects everyone around them. The pain of the sufferer can be so distracting that it puts a lot of strain on relationships, even with friends and family. The survey revealed that 27% of the people burdened by chronic pain have noticed a deterioration in the relationships with their loved ones, so the sting of chronic pain reverberates both on a personal and a more social level.
While the survey was conducted in 2003, it is still very valid today, particularly with new medicines and treatments emerging in the medical field. Yet the medical system in the UK does have its limitations compared to those in the USA or Brazil. Many patients of chronic pain complain that British GPs are often reluctant to prescribe medication and do not provide them with a long-term solution for their problem.
In fact, two-fifths of the people surveyed maintained that their pain was not brought under control, despite having been advised by a doctor. Some have even gone as far as to say that Britains GPs are unsympathetic. Many pain management experts (Dr Berverly collett, President of the UK‚s Pain Society among them) agree, however, that not enough is being done to help sufferers cope with the pain, and to minimize it.
Alternatively, many people seem to be shying away from modern medicine, opting for massage therapy and osteopathy for more traditional approaches to pain management. Many of them are very pleased at how well these seem to work: alternative techniques such as hot stone massages, joint therapy, and acupressure are outrunning the painkiller by a mile. This can potentially be the glimmer of hope many sufferers are searching for, as these traditional approaches not only give them back their ability to manage their pain, but their ability to manage their own relationships and happiness.
The content of this page is informed by feedback from osteopaths in the London area and also practices in Worcester. Further input was received from osteopathic practitioners in Chiswick and a practitioner in Glasgow. Finally a contribution was made by clinics in Derby.