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Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Pain Clinic. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, contact us

What is Chronic Pain?

Persistent pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months and can be constant or intermittent in nature. Persistent pain can vary in severity and can affect many aspects of a person’s life.

What is the cause of my persistent pain?

Sometimes the cause of persistent pain is apparent but often there is no one definitive cause which can be treated. There is no direct relationship between the level of persistent pain and the amount of tissue damage as often there can be no evidence of tissue damage.

Will the pain team be able to cure my pain?

Pain interventions and medications can be helpful for some people to help manage their pain but are not a cure. Responses range between individuals and not everyone is offered an intervention as this depends on the clinical assessment. There are many ways that people can learn to manage their pain and often they combine both medical and self-management options.

Will the pain team send me for further tests or scans?

Attending pain clinic does not mean you will be sent for further scans or tests. Often a clinical decision can be formed without the need for further scans.

Will I be prescribed more or stronger medication by the pain team?

The Pain Consultant and the Pain Nurse Specialist will discuss your medication regime with you. This may mean changing your current medication or even reducing it to improve your quality of life.

If I try and ignore the pain will it go away?

Trying to ignore the pain is one of the ways people try to cope with persistent pain. However, this is very difficult to do and can often lead to people feeling more frustrated. Learning specific pain management techniques can often make you feel better able to cope.

Will I need a physical examination during my clinic appointment?

This is not always necessary depending on who has referred you to the pain clinic and what your problem is. When your referral is triaged, you will be allocated an appointment with one of the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioners if an examination is thought necessary. It is advisable to bring a pair of shorts or wear appropriate clothing in case. However gowns are available to wear for examinations.

Why do I have to fill in questionnaires and paperwork for my appointment?

In order for us to complete a biopsychosocial assessment of your pain we will need to understand the current impact of the pain on many areas of your life. The questionnaires enable us to gain a comprehensive assessment and we are very grateful for your time in completing these.

Why do you ask questions about mood during the assessment?

We understand that living with persistent pain can be difficult and can cause mood problems for some patients, affecting their quality of life. With this information, we can then formulate the best treatment plan for you taking into account biological, psychological and social factors (biopsychosocial).