There are various types of pain that can feel different depending on the part of the body they affect. The way each of us reacts to pain is also variable - some people may experience no pain from a condition that causes severe pain in another person.
Some common pain conditions are:
- spinal pain, neck pain, thoracic pain and low back pain
- headache and facial pain
- abdominal pain
- pelvic pain
- nerve pain (neuropathic pain)
- pain due to decreased blood supply (vascular pain)
- pain secondary to diabetes
- pain secondary to shingles (postherpetic pain)
- post-surgical and post traumatic pain
- pain after amputation
- joint pain
- chest wall pain
- cancer pain.
There are two main types of pain:
Acute
This is usually caused by something easily identifiable, such as an injury. Because it indicates an underlying problem, treating the problem will usually relieve the pain.
Chronic
Anything that lasts three months or more is regarded as chronic, and this type of pain often recurs even after the underlying cause has been treated.
Experiencing pain for a long time can lead to lack of sleep, a weakened immune system and a reduction in physical and social activity. All of these things can, in turn, lead to anxiety and depression.
These symptoms create a vicious cycle, in which pain becomes the centre of your life. It is very important to get treatment that can reverse some of these symptoms and get you back on the road to recovery.
If you suffer from chronic pain a range of specialists will probably treat you. You’ll be cared for by an experienced multi-disciplinary team who understands what you’re feeling and are dedicated to your well being.
Our pain specialists are experts in managing a wide range of problems. They are fully accredited and are all fellows of the Faculty of Pain Medicine at the Royal College of Anaesthetists. They will also have many years of experience dealing with a wide range of conditions.
