National Pain Week 2021
It is National Pain Week all this week (July 26- August 1). National Pain Week is an annual awareness event coordinated each year by Chronic Pain Australia. This year’s theme is centered around connection and it encourages people to connect with their bodies and to acknowledge their pain.
What is Chronic Pain?
Pain is an unpleasant or uncomfortable body experience caused by activation of the nervous system. It is typically caused by a known injury or illness, but sometimes the cause of the pain can be unknown.
Most of us will experience acute pain from time to time. It often occurs following surgery, trauma, or short-term illness and usually lasts for a short time before the body heals and the pain goes away.
Chronic or persistent pain is pain that lasts for more than three months, or in many cases, beyond normal healing time.
Chronic pain can be a symptom of a known illness or injury it can also exist without a clear reason at all. Sometimes the long-term nature of the pain is not indicating ongoing disease or damage.
The Stats
- 1 in 5 Australians lives with chronic pain – including adolescents and children.
- This includes 1 in 3 people over the age of 65.
- 1 in 5 GP consultations involve a patient with chronic pain and almost 5% report severe, disabling chronic pain.
- The prevalence of chronic pain is projected to increase as Australia’s population ages-from around 3.2 million in 2007 to 5 million by 2050.
Connection is Key
National Pain Week 2021 aims to remind friends, family, and professionals that connection is key to addressing the social isolation that pain can create.
People living with chronic pain often feel isolated by their pain. Hence, encouraging connection is a key way for those suffering from chronic pain to seek support and advice. This is to help sufferers not ignore their pain and suffering in silence.
Many people live with chronic pain 24/7. It is debilitating, exhausting, and has an impact on all parts of a person’s life. Living like this takes courage and strength and could be referred to as “putting up with” the pain. The pain is in control and unpredictable.
How we can Help
There are many different treatments available for people trying to manage their pain, and different people will respond to these in different ways. Total Rehab Solutions has a range of Allied Health services including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Podiatry, Dietetics, Remedial Massage, and Allied Health Assistance. The TRS team can help you or a loved one throughout their chronic pain journey. Contact the team on 1300 685 046 or via admin@totalrehabsolutions.com.au to learn more ????
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