Pain is never a pleasant thing, but for many of us, it passes, and we become stronger people as a result of the experience. For some, however, pain is not a temporary occurrence. Whether the pain is caused by arthritis or migraines, it is a lifelong burden.
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 show that one in five sufferers said they had been diagnosed with depression as a result of the pain, and 16% of these had even contemplated suicide. The prospect of having to suffer for the rest of their lives drives people into sheer hopelessness, and as physical pain turns emotional, many people get sucked into a downward spiral.
Yet chronic pain does not only impact the sufferer " it impacts those around them as well. The individual often becomes so distracted by their pain that it puts pressure on their relationship with others. According to the survey, 27% have noticed deterioration in the relationship with their friends and family, so it becomes evident that chronic pain affects people both on a personal and social level.
Although the survey was published in five years ago, it is still highly relevant today, especially with new treatments and medicines constantly emerging on the medical market. Yet the British medical system can be considered limited in many ways when compared to the services provided by the American and even Brazil ones. Many sufferers of chronic pain note that British doctors do not provide long-term solutions for the problems, and are often reluctant to prescribe medication for their ever-present pain.
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.
As a result, many people are turning away from modern medicine, and opt for visiting massage therapists and osteopaths for a more traditional approach to pain management. A lot of people report to be pleasantly surprised at how well this seems to work. Traditional techniques such as hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy have often proven to be more effective to targeting and eradicating pain than any pill offered at the local drugstore. This can be enough to give many chronic pain sufferers the strength and hope they are looking for, giving them back their ability to not only manage their pain, but also their relationships and happiness. - 14130
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 show that one in five sufferers said they had been diagnosed with depression as a result of the pain, and 16% of these had even contemplated suicide. The prospect of having to suffer for the rest of their lives drives people into sheer hopelessness, and as physical pain turns emotional, many people get sucked into a downward spiral.
Yet chronic pain does not only impact the sufferer " it impacts those around them as well. The individual often becomes so distracted by their pain that it puts pressure on their relationship with others. According to the survey, 27% have noticed deterioration in the relationship with their friends and family, so it becomes evident that chronic pain affects people both on a personal and social level.
Although the survey was published in five years ago, it is still highly relevant today, especially with new treatments and medicines constantly emerging on the medical market. Yet the British medical system can be considered limited in many ways when compared to the services provided by the American and even Brazil ones. Many sufferers of chronic pain note that British doctors do not provide long-term solutions for the problems, and are often reluctant to prescribe medication for their ever-present pain.
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.
As a result, many people are turning away from modern medicine, and opt for visiting massage therapists and osteopaths for a more traditional approach to pain management. A lot of people report to be pleasantly surprised at how well this seems to work. Traditional techniques such as hot stone massages, acupuncture, and joint therapy have often proven to be more effective to targeting and eradicating pain than any pill offered at the local drugstore. This can be enough to give many chronic pain sufferers the strength and hope they are looking for, giving them back their ability to not only manage their pain, but also their relationships and happiness. - 14130
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of the Osteopath Network, writes articles about cranial osteopaths, osteopaths, London osteopath , back pain, neck pain, injury management. Andrew is interested in many aspects of alternative medicine.
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