SEPTEMBER 2017

Supported byReference: 1. http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=25143&ss=%22chronic%20pain%22

DID YOU

KNOW?

COPING WITH

of the Irish population1

Chronic Pain affects around 13%

visits to healthcare providers every year1

Chronic pain patientsmake an average of i i i i

visits to healthcare providers every year1

Chronic pain patientsmake an average of i i i i

While it is normal to experience pain from time to time due to injury, illness or trauma, many people across Ireland live with chronic pain everyday. Chronic pain can have a serious impact on all aspects of a person’s life from their mental wellbeing to their work and relationships.

To coincide with Pain Awareness Month, this month we are focusing on everyday tips you can pass onto patients suffering with chronic pain to help them manage their pain as best they can.

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can help lessen symptoms so we’ve included advice on how to deal with cravings below. We’ve also included a guide to different exercises matched to different types of pain and a list of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods at the end.

There are numerous health risks associated with smoking including lung cancer and respiratory problems. Smoking is also a risk factor for chronic pain, particularly low back pain and spinal disorders1. For your patients trying to quit, they should follow the four Ds to deal with their cravings2:

• Delay at least 3 minutes to allow the urge to pass• Drink a glass of water or fruit juice• Distract yourself. Move away from the situation• Deep breathing. Breathe slowly and deeply

Smoking has an effect on bone growth – a non-smoker can grow one centimetre of bone in two months compared to three months in a smoker3

References: 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23095839)2. http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Campaigns/quitbooklet.pdf3. http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/368238/file-640680776-pdf/docs/

healthy-living/ebook-smoking.pdf?t=1488379338519

DID YOU

KNOW?

References: 1. http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/368238/file-643653370-pdf/docs/healthy-living/ebook-exercise.pdf?t=1488379338519

While those suffering from chronic pain might not feel up to being active, exercise really is vital to our physical and emotional well-being. There are several different types of exercise from stretching to aerobic so make sure your patient chooses the right one to combat their pain:

ArthritisExercise can be helpful in managing arthritis pain as it increases blood flow to the affected joints, and helps to maintain their flexibility. Swimming can be great when combined with a physical therapy programme.

Back painStresses on the body such as injury, poor posture, age and obesity can exacerbate back pain. Exercise can help with weight loss and the strengthening of muscles can help relieve pain caused by injury.

Neuropathic painShooting pain extending along one or more nerve paths might be eased with stretching exercises combined with physical therapy to promote desensitisation.

MigrainesMigraines are vascular headaches caused by overstrained blood vessels in the head. As such, moderate aerobic exercises such as fitness walking, jogging or cycling can reduce the amount and intensity of flare-ups.

Malignancy (cancer) Pain caused by malignancy can be lessened by exercises that encourage relaxation, such as yoga, which can also help reduce stress.

Musculoskeletal painExercise can strengthen supportive muscles that hold weakened bones and ligaments in place. Exercise that promotes weight loss will also help to lessen musculoskeletal pain.

Psychogenic painPain caused by depression, anxiety or trauma can be improved with aerobic exercises such as running or cycling as it increases heart rate and circulation and gives a boost to your patient’s overall sense of well-being.

Inflammation on a plate?

Reference: 1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-and-pain/art-20208638

Foods containing omega-3 fatsMackerel, salmon and trout,

walnuts, pecans and ground flaxseed, soy-based foods

Foods rich in antioxidants Colourful fruits and

vegetables, such as beetroot, leafy greens, berries and avocados

Lentils and beans

Nuts and seeds

Whole grains

Green tea

Certain spices, such asginger and turmeric

Processed foods, especiallythose high in saturated andtrans fats, added sugars,refined carbohydrates andpreservatives

Deep fried foods and pastries

Processed cereals

White rice, white potatoes,sugar, breads

Red meat

Some foods have been proven to have anti-inflammatory qualities that could help

to relieve pain, whereas other foods are pro-inflammatory and could potentially

trigger inflammtory flare-ups of inflammation.1

Anti-inflammatory foods:

Pro-inflammatory foods:

PP-G

EP-IR

L-05

37Da

te o

f pre

para

tion:

Aug

ust 2

017