How can self management skills and using the Pain Toolkit help?

Is it a problem?

So, is persistent pain a health problem in the United Kingdom?

In the UK the short answer is yes, so you are not on your own. Here are some facts from the British Medical Journal Chronic (BMJ); Pain affects between one-third and one-half of the population of the UK, corresponding to just under 28 million adults, based on data from the best available published studies. This figure is likely to increase further in line with an ageing population.

People with persistent pain were more likely to be anxious or depressed - 69% with severe pain are worried about their moods.

Pete says, “many people get stuck in what's know as a Pain Cycle as I did, where they become less active, which leads to becoming unfit and increased pain.”

The Pain Cycle

Do you feel trapped in a pain cycle?

Watch the video and see if you recognise yourself in the pain cycle?

If so, ask yourself these three questions:

• Do you do more on good days and less on bad days?
• Are you an over achiever – doing more than you have to?
• Are you a people pleaser? Do you have a problem saying NO to others when you are asked to do things?

Did you recognise yourself in pain cycle and in the three questions above?

Yes, then the Pain Toolkit is just right for you and perhaps attending a Pain Toolkit Workshop.