Perth Pain Specialist
The hardest thing I deal with as a Perth pain specialist
- Author: Dr Reza Feizerfan
- First published:
Chronic pain Perth
Managing expectations in chronic pain treatment
As a pain specialist in Perth, one of the biggest challenges I face is managing patient expectations. While people often hope for complete relief, the reality of chronic pain management is more complex. Here’s why it’s a tough balancing act and what you should understand when you’re seeking help for chronic pain.
Unlike acute pain, which has a clear source (e.g., an injury or surgery), chronic pain is often influenced by multiple factors. It can be caused by a chronic condition like arthritis which can cause daily pain and limit your function. The inability to engage with hobbies, coupled with social isolation and a low mood, can compound the problem, making it hard to pinpoint a single cause or find a straightforward solution.
Open communication is key
Being open and honest is really important when managing expectations. Many people come to pain clinics feeling frustrated, having seen other specialists and had lots of tests, but still not knowing what’s causing their pain.
“There was a retired accountant with arthritis who loved golf. His pain got so bad he couldn’t finish a round, leading to isolation and low mood. Instead of aiming for total pain relief, we set a realistic goal: completing nine holes. This helped him stay active and socially connected, boosting both his body and mind.”
While everyone naturally wants to be pain-free, it’s crucial to focus on more specific and realistic goals that can improve quality of life. These could include:
- Being able to walk longer distances without severe discomfort
- Returning to a preferred hobby with some modifications
- Improving sleep quality
For example, a keen swimmer with neck arthritis might find it difficult to swim as they used to, but using a snorkel could allow them to continue swimming without exacerbating pain.
Understanding barriers and exploring solutions
Chronic pain isn’t just about the body. Feelings, social life, and lack of knowledge and understanding your own body and pain can all make it worse. That’s why we look at everything, not just the pain. Sometimes, things like better emotional support, education or changing daily habits help more than medicine.
Prescription pain medication
Navigating opioid management
Another challenge we face as pain specialists is handling opioid management. They can provide quick relief, but using them long-term comes with risks like tolerance, dependency, and even increased sensitivity to pain.
I explain in more detail why opioids aren’t always the best solution on this page.
“It’s in your head”
The psychological aspect of pain
Many patients get upset when they’re told, “It’s in your head,” because it sounds like their pain isn’t real. But all pain is processed in the brain. The parts of the brain that handle pain and mood are close together, so they can easily affect each other.
“When the pain centre is active, the nearby mood centre can also be affected, leading to anxiety, irritability, or depression. For example, when someone experiences a migraine, they may also feel stressed or anxious, as pain pathways interact with mood pathways.”
Treating both pain and the mind
Good pain management addresses both the body and the mind. CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and emotional support can help reduce pain. This doesn’t mean the pain is “imagined”; it acknowledges that the mental side is just as real as the physical one.
A pain specialist can focus on managing the physical pain, while a clinical psychologist can address the mood. Together, this combination often delivers the best results.
Perth Pain Specialist
Conclusion
Pain is real, whether it’s felt physically or processed in the brain. With the right mix of physical and mental support, you can find real relief and improve your well-being. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, don’t hesitate to reach out.