Studies suggest that over 30% of adults in the UK are impacted by chronic pain. Experiencing pain can affect physical and mental health, as well as the ability to work and earn a living and maintain a healthy, active social life. If you’re struggling with pain and you don’t know where to turn, here are some effective steps to take today.
Seek medical advice
Many of us are guilty of ignoring symptoms in the hope that they go away. In many cases, pain subsides after a short period but it’s common to experience chronic pain. If your symptoms persist for weeks or months, they get worse, or you’re suffering and you’re not sure what the cause is, seek medical advice. If you leave problems untreated, there is a risk that they will get worse and if you have an injury, you could cause more damage. See your doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history. They may refer you to a specialist or recommend further tests and scans.
If you undergo tests and they flag underlying issues, or you receive a diagnosis, doctors will discuss the next steps with you. You may be advised to start going to physiotherapy or consider taking medication or exploring surgical options, for example. It is often beneficial to work with therapists who have expertise in specific areas, such as tackling scoliosis pain or overseeing rehabilitation after a sports injury or an accident. Many people who experience chronic pain use a combination of treatments and therapies to ease symptoms, prevent further pain and damage and enhance their quality of life.
Take care of your mental and physical health
Dealing with pain can take its toll on your physical and mental health. If you are struggling, it’s crucial to take care of yourself and look after your body and mind as best you can. It’s also important to ask for help and lean on friends and family members for support. Try to ensure you get enough sleep and eat well and exercise as much as possible in line with advice from your doctors or physiotherapists. If you feel anxious, worried or low, see your doctor or speak to somebody you trust. Talking is often beneficial because it enables you to express yourself and get worries off your chest. If you don’t feel comfortable opening up to friends or relatives, speaking to a therapist can help.
Identify and avoid triggers
Many people who experience pain find that their symptoms get worse as a result of specific triggers. This may include doing too much in terms of physical activities, not getting enough sleep or standing for long periods, for example. Try to identify triggers by noting your symptoms down and recording daily activities and how you feel. Once you know what makes you feel worse, you can try to avoid triggers.
More than 30% of the UK adult population struggles with pain at some point in their lives. If you are living with chronic pain, try to be proactive in seeking help and taking care of yourself. See your doctor if you have symptoms that are not going away or getting worse, look after your physical and mental health and try to identify and avoid triggers.
