UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC PAIN, HOME TREATMENTS AND HOW SPECIALIST HELP AT STATE 11 CAN HELP YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE AGAIN
Content written by Vic Paterson, RAPID NeuroFascial Reset Specialist, BTEC L5 Soft Tissue Therapy (CSSM), Hypnotherapist, MFHT
Chronic pain is a type of pain that lasts for a long time—usually more than three months. Unlike acute pain, which happens suddenly and goes away when the injury heals, chronic pain persists even after the initial cause is gone.
Chronic pain can be there all the time, or come and go, making it challenging to manage and live with.
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To understand chronic pain, it helps to know a bit about how pain works:
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Nerves and Signals: Our bodies have a network of nerves that send signals to the brain when something is wrong, like when you touch a hot stove. This is how we feel pain and know to move our hand away.
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Pain Pathways: Sometimes, even after an injury heals, the nerves keep sending pain signals to the brain. This can happen because the pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord have become more sensitive.
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Brain Changes: Chronic pain can change the way the brain processes pain signals, making it more sensitive to pain. This means that even normal activities can start to hurt, because the brain interprets "normal" messages from the nerves as "pain" messages.
WHAT CAUSES CHRONIC PAIN?
Chronic pain can be caused by many different things, including:
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Injuries: Sometimes an injury can lead to long-lasting pain even after it heals. Conditions like Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome can occur after an injury has healed.
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Illnesses: Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or infections can cause chronic pain.
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Nerve Damage: Nerve injuries can cause persistent pain, even if there’s no visible injury. People with chronic pain from nerve damage can often find themselves struggling to get adequate medical help, because their pain cannot be "seen" on a MRI or X-Ray.
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Long Covid: Although Long Covid is not yet fully understood, some people with Long Covid report that they have chronic pain in addition to the other symptoms such as fatigue.
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Unknown Causes: Sometimes, the exact cause of chronic pain is hard to identify, which can make it even more frustrating.
HOME REMEDIES AND TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC PAIN
Living with chronic pain can be tough, but there are ways to manage it and improve your quality of life.
Depending on the cause of the chronic pain, not all of these self-management techniques may be suitable - a doctor or pain specialist will often provide ongoing help after a diagnosis of chronic pain.
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1. Stay Active
Even though it might hurt, staying active is crucial. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help keep your muscles strong and flexible. Physical activity also releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by your body. Recent medical studies suggest that this advice may not be suitable for people who are struggling with Long Covid symptoms.
2. Mind-Body Techniques
Some people find that practising relaxation and mindfulness techniques can help manage pain by calming the mind and reducing stress. Here are some methods to try:
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Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to help relax your body.
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Meditation: Focus your mind on something peaceful, like your breathing or a calming image.
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Visualisation: Imagine yourself in a peaceful place where you feel happy and safe.
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Acceptance and Commitment Techniques: Some people practice acceptance and commitment techniques - these are often taught by NHS therapists.
3. Healthy Eating
Eating a balanced diet can help reduce inflammation (which is believed to increase pain sensitivity) and improve overall health. Foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can be particularly helpful. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important. Some people find that supplements also help, depending on the cause of the chronic pain.
4. Medication
Some people take medication to help them deal with their chronic pain. As this medication is likely to be taken for a prolonged period, any medication, or changes to medication, should be discussed with a doctor.
6. Good Sleep Habits
Getting enough rest is essential for managing pain. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and make your bedroom comfortable for sleeping.
WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR CHRONIC PAIN
A formal diagnosis of chronic pain can only be made by a medical professional. When a diagnosis is made, the patient should be referred for specialist help suitable for their circumstances.
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Some people choose to use alternative therapies, either in addition or instead of conventional medical help. At State 11, we would always advise discussing any change in treatment with your GP.
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At State 11, we're proud to be one of only a handful of RAPID NeuroFascial Reset Specialists in the UK. Although results differ for every client, and we cannot promise results, we have found RAPID NeuroFascial Reset to be helpful for people struggling with chronic pain.
This is because RAPID can work with the body's nervous system and inflammatory system to help clear any artefacts of inflammation that may be the cause of pain following injuries. We've also seen RAPID has also helped some clients with nerve based and fibromyalgia pain. You can read more about RAPID NeuroFascial Reset at State 11 here.
We understand that people with chronic pain are often preyed upon by unscrupulous therapists and promised all kinds of results at extortionate costs. At State 11, we're happy to discuss your condition and if we see you, but don't believe we can help, we don't charge any consultation fee.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
REAL REVIEWS FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU!
Tom says:
I went to see Greg about pressures in my lower back and also about my shoulder. Immediately I felt the difference once walking, standing, etc. It's now the day after and honestly feels so much better. I was skeptical at first thinking it's because I'm getting older etc so there wouldn't be much that could be done. But he has proved that just by having a look or a once over doesn't hurt and most definitely improve how you feel and most importantly your mobility.
Melissa says:
I've been to Greg three times over the last eighteen months, he always puts me at ease, cures my aches and pains in my back and makes me laugh with his humour. I never felt pressured to make more appointments and he always gives great advice on exercises and prevention of further injury.
Vasiliki says:
Highly recommended! I feel wonderful, I can move my neck and shoulders now...thank you Greg!