Persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, is a significant public health issue in the UK, affecting a substantial portion of the population.
Chronic pain affects a large percentage of the population. It is estimated that around 28 million adults in the UK live with chronic pain, which is about 43% of the population. The prevalence of chronic pain increases with age, affecting up to 62% of people over 75 years old.
Types of persistent pain
One of the key types of Persistent Pain impacting sufferers is musculoskeletal pain. This includes conditions such as:
Arthritis: A term commonly used to describe inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, each with its own causes and treatment approaches. Here
Back Pain: A common condition that affects people of all ages and can vary from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. It can occur anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back.
Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood problems. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Quality of life impact of Persistent Pain:
Those impacted by a chronic pain condition will naturally feel the impact on their overall quality of life. The impacts can be far reaching and can impact:
Physical Ability: Chronic pain can limit mobility and physical functioning, leading to a decreased ability to perform daily activities both for work and leisure.
Economic impact: Chronic pain can lead to substantial economic costs, including lost productivity due to work absences.
Mental health: Due to the physical limitation and potential impact on a person’s ability to work, Persistent pain is closely linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
How can you manage and treat persistent pain?
There are a number of treatment and pain management plans that can help those impacted to manage their pain on a daily basis. Prescription medications, physical therapy and complimentary therapies can all help reduce the impact and experience of pain.
PAM Physio Solutions have developed a dedicated programme to help those who are experiencing long-term pain.
This programme helps participants to achieve a greater understanding of their pain and gain valuable techniques to help reduce the impact pain is having on their quality of life. Throughout the 12-week programme, patients will be supported through their journey by an MSK specialist. The service consists of e-learning modules, practical information and remote, 1-1 fortnightly appointments to progress in implementing the learned techniques into their daily lives
Understanding and addressing persistent pain is crucial for improving the quality of life for millions of people in the UK and reducing the broader societal and economic impact.
