Chronic pain tips from Pharmacist Bill Lelas.

Chronic Pain & Mobility

Pharmacist Bill Lelas takes us through common reasons for chronic pain and his top tips for treatment.

What is the difference between chronic and acute pain1? Chronic pain is a complex condition which can last more than 3 months and be experienced on most days. It can be mild or severe and sometimes have no apparent cause. Pain which develops quickly following injury or trauma which does not last long and improves with healing or recovery is known as acute pain. This type of pain can develop into a chronic pain condition if poorly treated or untreated.

Living with chronic pain2 . Chronic pain can lead to serious mobility issues and make it hard to work, and difficult to do everyday activities that you enjoy. Reduced range of motion in your joints often occurs due to the common mobility-limiting symptoms of pain, swelling, and stiffness, which makes it difficult to sit, stand, or walk3. This can then impact your sleep, mood, and emotional wellbeing. Management of chronic pain4 . The aim of managing chronic pain is to relieve symptoms to allow you to resume work, continue being active and enjoy the things you do. This often involves selfmanagement with physical activity and treatment approaches that can combine the use of medicines as part of a tailored daily management plan.

Most people can benefit and improve their mobility by: • seeing a Psychologist, Physiotherapist, or Exercise Physiologist • activity pacing • relaxation techniques and meditation • mild exercise through walking, swimming, and cycling • improving restful sleep Speak with your GP or health professional about tailoring a management plan for you.

Treatment of chronic pain5 . The following medications can also play a role in managing chronic pain. • Paracetamol – Available over the counter, this can provide effective and long-acting pain relief as part of a management plan. • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Available in the lowest possible dosage for the shortest possible time, these over-the-counter preparations may assist individuals achieve and sustain mild exercise as part of their management plan.

Speak with your GP or National Pharmacies Pharmacist about medicines that may be suitable for you to improve your mobility and better manage your chronic pain.

1. Chronic pain 2021, healthdirect, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 29 July 2022, <https://www.healthdirect. gov.au/chronic-pain>. 2. Ibid.

3. Mobility Issues 2021, Beaumont, Beaumont Health, viewed 29 July 2022, <https://www. beaumont.org/services/ pain-managementservices/mobilityissues#:~:text=Joint%20 pain%20can%20lead%20 to,sit%2C%20stand%2C%20 or%20walk.>. 4 . Chronic pain 2021, healthdirect, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, viewed 29 July 2022, <https://www.healthdirect. gov.au/chronic-pain>. 5. Ibid.

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