Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is any pain persisting for more than 12 weeks despite appropriate treatment. It's different from acute pain, which is a normal sensation alerting us to possible injury. Chronic pain can arise from an initial injury, such as a back sprain, or there might be an ongoing cause, like illness. However, there may be no clear cause at all. Moreover, pain can be felt in nearly any part of the body and can lead to significant psychological and emotional trauma.

Managing chronic pain is of great priority at the Ulster Independent Clinic. We follow a multidisciplinary approach, involving anaesthesiologists, pharmacologists, physiotherapists, and even psychologists in the process. The aim is not just to provide relief from pain but also to restore functionality and improve the patient's quality of life.

This management takes into account:

• The severity and nature of the pain
• The overall health status of the patient
• The patient’s personal goals and lifestyle
• Co-existing conditions and their potential impacts on pain

At the heart of our chronic pain management model is the application of tailored treatment strategies. These are designed with the acute understanding that every patient's pain experience is unique. Each strategy often incorporates different forms of therapy, balancing pharmacological interventions with psychological and physical treatments.

Pharmacological interventions might sound daunting, but it’s a simple term for using medications to treat your pain. Depending on your specific situation, you may get a recommendation for over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prescription medications, or in extreme cases, opioid medications. Each option is weighed carefully, considering potential benefits and risks, and tailored to your specific needs and characteristics.

Non-drug pain management approaches are equally important in pain management. You may be introduced to physical therapies like exercise, massage, or hot and cold treatments, which can help to reduce pain and improve your function. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are employed to help you navigate the emotional challenges that can accompany chronic pain, and assist you to manage your pain more effectively.

The management plan is periodically revisited to evaluate its effectiveness and adjust treatment techniques accordingly. Through feedback from you and ongoing assessment by our team, changes can be made to ensure you continue to receive the best care.