Managing pain and supporting loved ones in pain
Pain affects so many of us and according to Pain Australia, seniors and those living with a disability have the highest rates of chronic pain in our community. In fact, one in three people aged over 65 are living with chronic pain, and one in four people with a profound disability experience severe pain.
Feros Care supports thousands of seniors and people with disability each year, so we talked with Allied Health Professional Sarah Beaumont and comedian Wil Anderson (who has chronic pain) to gain greater insight, and explore different ways to manage pain.
Breaking the pain cycle
As someone who has worked frequently with people in pain, Sarah says, “Pain is a huge factor affecting quality of life for our seniors. I’ve seen patients who are in a negative cycle whereby the pain heavily interrupts their sleeping pattern, putting them in a place where they are less equipped to deal with the pain, and that pain becomes amplified.”
“Often the fear of pain prevents a patient from attempting activities that can be beneficial for them, and that’s perfectly understandable. It’s about empowering people with confidence so that they can overcome that fear,” she explains.
“It’s all part of the multi-disciplinary approach to pain management. Exercise is one of the best treatments for pain, and together with pain relief and effective psychological support, it can be managed effectively,” continues Sarah.
Pain Australia weighs in on this broad-based approach
It’s not just Sarah and Feros Care promoting multi-disciplinary care, Pain advocacy body, Pain Australia, also supports this view.
“There are many aspects to pain management and different pathways to care. Modern pain care uses a ‘whole person’ approach that considers physical, social, and psychological factors. It is the most effective way to reduce pain, improve function and mood, and reduce disability.”
Ultimately, it’s not just about prescription pain relief. Pain relief is just one aspect of effective pain management.
“I’ve had patients where the pain medication they’ve been prescribed has a worse impact on their health than the pain itself,” explains Sarah. “In some cases, alternatives to prescribed pain medication, such as medical cannabis, have proven to be an effective treatment.”
Celebrity Wil Anderson’s journey living with pain
Comedian, podcaster and TV personality Wil Anderson lives with osteoarthritis, using medication – including medically prescribed cannabis – and other tools to manage his pain and keep living the life he wants to.
“I think it’s about finding the mix, right?” says Wil on the Grow Bold with Disability podcast.
“The idea with these things that there is one solution is probably the naivest way of looking at it. You have to find something that works for you. And no-one’s pain is the same.”
“There are certain exercises that are really good for it, and there are certain exercises that are really terrible for it, you know? I can’t fix it all with exercise. I can’t fix it all with acupuncture. I can’t fix it all with cannabis. And I can’t fix it all with prescription medication. But some combination of those things can go towards helping and getting you to a place where you can operate in a way that’s healthy enough.”
Top tips for supporting people in pain
If you know someone living with pain, here are our top tips to provide the support they need and to help them increase their quality of life.
1/ Don’t dismiss a person’s pain. For them the pain is very real, and dismissing it can cause further distress and emotional upset.
2/ Encourage someone with pain to seek a multi-disciplinary approach. This means considering the big picture including physical, social, and psychological factors. Perhaps they could look into clinical services like physiotherapy, join a social group, and/or speak to a mental health practitioner about support mechanisms beyond the physical.
3/ Understand that what works for someone, may not work for someone else. Acknowledge that every person living with pain is on their own unique journey and be open to their feelings and thoughts on what is or isn’t helping them.
4/ Act with empathy and care. A person in pain is more likely to feel vulnerable and emotional. It can be challenging to support someone experiencing chronic pain but it’s important to be sensitive to their feelings, and treat them with compassion and understanding.
5/ Celebrate the small wins. This will help your loved one see progress, stay positive, and increase their motivation to continue striving forward.
If you’d like to learn more about how Feros Care can support you or your loved one with pain, call our compassionate team on 1300 090 256.
Resources: Understanding Pain Video.
