Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain Syndromes
Chronic pain is generally defined as lasting for longer than three months, negatively affecting an individual's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. If patients develop additional symptoms like depression and anxiety, health care professionals may then classify this as chronic pain syndrome.
Many health care professionals believe these syndromes are not mechanically based but neurological. This means the central nervous system is ‘over wired’ and becomes highly sensitive to any stimulus, sometimes even touch. We call this Central Sensitisation.
Patients who have this ‘sensitive wiring’ are usually highly receptive to certain treatments and can feel worse after a therapy. Generally, these patients may shop around trying to find the one and only therapy that may ‘cure’ their pain.
We know that this vicious cycle often compounds their pain experience. So, how do we identify if a patient has central sensitisation? Unfortunately, there is no one clinical test, however, we do have a questionnaire called CSI. By completing the questionnaire, we can better advise you of the likelihood of your complaint being compounded by a highly sensitive central nervous system.
Conditions & Managing Chronic Pain
Some examples of clinical syndromes that central sensitisation may contribute are:
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Physiotherapy for dry needling, soft tissue release and comprehensive rehabilitation
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Chiropractic for spine care and optimal nerve and muscle function
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Remedial Massage Therapy to calm and ease the tight muscles around the chest and shoulder
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Private Pilates: our trained instructors can work with you on the reformers to build strength back into your shoulder once your pain is reduced
Our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors are trained in managing and treating chronic pain syndrome. We assess your range of motion along with orthopaedic testing to determine a diagnosis. You may also be referred for further imaging by our allied health team, such as an MRI or X-ray to rule out any underlying pathology or injury. If required, you may also be referred to a closely connected specialist such as a Rheumatologist or Orthopaedic surgeon.
If you would like to discuss your neck complaint but are unsure how to proceed, book a complimentary discovery session with one of our allied health practitioners today!