Persistent Pain

What is it?

Persistent pain is pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. It is a common occurrence with sources citing that 30-40% of the adult population in the UK will experience persistent pain.

For more information, use the buttons below:

Common Causes:

Persistent pain can sometimes begin with an injury, however, sometimes it can start without any obvious cause.

Research shows that persistent pain is likely more due to changes within the body’s nervous system, rather than actual tissue damage. The following may also be present and contribute to persistent pain:

· An injury or trauma

· A sudden change in your activity levels (either increasing or decreasing).

· Conditions such as fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis

· A period of life change such as: increased stress, low mood, poor sleep, increased fear or worry.

· General lifestyle factors such as smoking and/or not maintaining a healthy weight or diet.

General Symptoms:

· Pain may be in one part of the body or widespread throughout many body parts. There may be feelings of: achiness, dull/sharp pain, burning, tingling, stabbing, tightness and/or throbbing. However people experience pain in many different ways so you may use other words to describe your pain.

· Increased sensitivity to light, noise and/or touch.

· Fatigue with or without having a full night of sleep. You have also have difficulty with falling or staying asleep.

· “Brain fog”- difficulty with memory and/or concentration.

· Headaches.

· Stomach pains or irritable bowel type symptoms (IBS).

· Changes to your mood: feeling low, anxious, depressed and/or more irritable than usual.

Self-management strategies:

· Understanding a bit about persistent pain can help you manage your symptoms:

- Persistent pain is usually a result of the nervous system being on “high alert”.

- You can learn more about this from the resources listed below.

· Pacing: Breaking tasks and activities into small chunks and taking regular breaks can help to manage pain and fatigue.

· Physical Activity: Movement and physical activity is safe and useful for those with persistent pain. It is best to find an activity that you enjoy!

· Relaxation techniques: This many include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.

· Building good sleep habits: Try to have a regular bedtime and reduce screens/technology use before bed.

Exercises to try:

· Diaphragmatic breathing

· Progressive muscle relaxation

When to seek additional help and how to access it:

· If you have experienced any new trauma or injury to the area

· If you have a worsening of your typical pain

· If you experience new symptoms or symptoms that are concerning to you

· If you have tried self management strategies for 4-6 weeks and symptoms have not improved and you are interested in learning more techniques to help manage your symptoms.

· You can self-refer here: URefer

Do I need imaging?

· As persistent pain is usually due to an increased sensitivity of the nervous system rather than damage to body tissues, imaging such as x-rays and MRIs are usually not very helpful in the management of persistent pain.

· Imaging does not show pain, but rather shows a snapshot of body structures.

What to do if I am off of work due to my symptoms?

· If you are off for less than 7 days, you can self-certify.

· If it has been over 7 days, you may need a fit note.

· https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/caring-carers-and-long-term-conditions/when-do-i-need-a-fit-note/

Resources and Useful links:

· Websites:

- https://www.retrainpain.org/

- https://www.paintoolkit.org/

· Videos:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikUzvSph7Z4&ab_channel=TametheBeast%E2%80%93It%27stimetorethinkpersistentpain

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwd-wLdIHjs&t=1s