Pain is the most common reason that people attend their GP and affects 1 in 4 people – approximately 28 million people in the UK.

By definition chronic pain is a persistent condition which lasts more than three months. It can be caused by a variety of issues including but not limited to arthritis, nerve damage, cancer pain, migraines, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, or a past injury. 

But the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain is immense, often leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. And of course, for those living with pain on a chronic level, often a reduced quality of life. 

What often strikes me when speaking to patients with chronic pain is how invisible their pain can be and hopeless that can be for them. It’s not that doctors or healthcare practitioners don’t care, but there is really very little in the current healthcare system that can be offered for chronic pain.

Conventional treatment for chronic pain includes medication such as opioids and anti-inflammatories (NSAID’s) but the list of side effects to these drugs includes stomach pain, increased blood pressure, fluid retention and of course opioids carry an addiction risk. Depending on the nature of the chronic pain the NHS can also offer physical therapy or surgical interventions to help also. Other than that, there is very little to be done for the long-term management of pain. Sadly, chronic pain is not given priority within our healthcare systems and is generally regarded as a symptom rather than recognised as a public health problem in itself.

Integrative approaches combine conventional treatments with lifestyle and functional medicine, alongside complementary therapies to address the multifaceted nature of chronic pain. For example, acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used to alleviate pain by stimulating the body’s natural painkillers. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) have shown efficacy in helping patients manage the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic pain by altering pain perception and reducing stress. Yoga and Tai Chi offer gentle movement and breathing exercises that improve flexibility, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. We often find it is a combination of approaches within Integrative Medicine which provides relief rather than just one thing.

These Integrative approaches, tailored to individual needs, provide a more holistic and long-term strategy to support those suffering from chronic pain in the UK. If you are interested in learning more, we are holding an Integrative Healthcare Forum learning day on Integrative Approaches to Chronic Pain on Friday 11 October, with some leading experts in the field of chronic pain. I’d love to see you there.

Venue: In person at Ham Green House and Online
Date: Friday 11 October 2024
Time: 10 am – 5 pm

To read more and buy tickets: Integrative Healthcare Forum: Integrative Approaches to Chronic Pain – NCIM – National Centre for Integrative Medicine