Managing Chronic Pain Did you know that pain is Australia's third most costly health problem? Today, chronic pain is generally not regarded as a symptom; it is considered as a serious separate disease entity. Chronic pain is broadly defined as pain that lasts longer than six months or pain that persists beyond the time expected for healing following surgery or trauma or other condition. It can be mild to severe pain that does not go away. It may be pain described as shooting, burning, aching, electrical or a feeling of discomfort, soreness, tightness or stiffness. Left untreated, chronic pain can have a devastating impact on all aspects of a sufferer's life. About 65% of people with chronic pain report interference with daily activities including sleep, sex, work, exercise and routine self-care, which can have a negative effect on personal relationships, social interactions and lifestyle. Chronic pain sufferers may also experience fatigue, sleeplessness, withdrawal from activity and increased need to rest; weakened immune system; changes in mood including hopelessness, fear, depression, irritability, anxiety, and stress, as well as disability. The etiology of chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is highly complex. All pain is subjective. The individual’s nervous system transmits ‘pain messages’ to the brain, where they are interpreted via a complex process that is specific and unique to the person experiencing the pain. Multiple psychological, physiological and environmental factors can affect this process. Adding to this complexity is the nervous system and brain’s ability to experience neuroplastic changes (i.e. they can change or rewire, over time, in response to sustained stimulation). This distinct multifactorial pathophysiology can result in the person’s pain actually worsening over time, or continuing long after the original cause or source of pain has passed. While there is evidence to indicate that acute pain can lead to chronic pain, chronic pain can and often does exist without a clear reason. Some forms of chronic pain, can be treated with medication or surgery, however, other types, such as neuropathic pain or migraine, may be far more difficult to diagnose and treat. To help patients living with chronic pain regain a level of comfort and function in their lives, Pindara Private Hospital has opened a new 11-bed chronic pain unit. The Pindara Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Unit provides a structured, supportive and caring inpatient program tailored to the individual needs of three main groups of chronic pain patients. The program focuses on reconditioning and developing coping strategies in the patient to restore confidence and the individual’s capacity to live and function independently. Treatment targets the multiple needs of chronic pain patients and is provided by a team of pain specialists, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, dieticians and occupational therapists. Pain specialists and rehabilitation consultants work closely with all Allied Health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise physiology to ensure a tailored service is provided to each individual. • Where indicated, specialist pain physicians administer nerve stimulator treatments, ketamine infusions and other analgesic programs. • Physiotherapy and occupational therapists work through a structured program to help patients regain mobility, strength, endurance and flexibility. • Experienced nursing staff, who understand the special needs of their patients, provide a calm, caring and quiet service to help patients regulate their stress response. The Pindara program offers group and individual management programs to target the individual’s condition: • Daily Physiotherapy group class and individual sessions as appropriate • Daily Chronic Pain Nurse/Dietician/Occupational Therapist group sessions – eg relaxation, coping skills, nutrition, activities of daily living, overcoming social problems • Medication management/education. Worksafe, TAC, DVA and private individuals are accepted pending a medical referral and approval by the relevant health fund. pm Referral to the Pindara Chronic Pain Unit can be directed to: Dr Leigh Dotchin & Dr Anthony Espinet (Pain Specialists) (07) 5527 8025 Dr Benedicte Mancel (Rehabilitation Medicine) (07) 5598 0070 Gene ral Hea lth pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 15
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
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