Help with chronic pain, dancing, walnuts

JARROD MCMAUGH shares his advice for those caring for a loved one with chronic pain

Chronic pain – suffered by one in five Australians – is a condition categorised by extreme pain suffered for an extended period of time. With the sufferer of chronic pain comes their carer, who can be a family member, friend, or a professional.

It’s undoubtedly difficult for both parties. We spoke to Jarrod Mcmaugh, national president of Chronic Pain Australia, about what help those caring for someone with chronic pain need.

START ING THE JOURNEY

A loved one being diagnosed with a condition that causes chronic pain is usually at a “midway point” of the chronic pain journey, says Jarrod.

“The path to even receiving a diagnosis is often long, frustrating and sometimes requires multiple opinions before the diagnosis is made,” he explains.

Once a diagnosis is made is when progress will start, both in addressing the cause of pain and finding effective treatments.

UNDERSTANDING PAIN MANAGEMENT

People in pain and their carers should be aware that treatment for pain is as broad as the conditions that cause it.

“Just as pain changes in intensity in different situations, treatments may work well one day, and be less effective the next,” says Jarrod. “Some treatments like physiotherapy have the potential to make pain worse before it gets better. There is no one treatment for pain – based on how people respond to therapies and medications, the underlying cause, the nature of the pain, and many other factors.”

Don’t be hard on yourself and your loved one suffering the pain – just try to practise as much patience as you can.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Chronic pain can not only contribute to the mental health of people experiencing pain, but may also impact the carers.

“There are many local support groups that can be found through your health care providers and community groups,” says Jarrod. “Find a group that can provide you with a safe place and understanding people to listen to your experiences and share their own with you.”

There are also amazing online forums like Chronic Pain Australia, and “local health care providers are also often a good place to find information on support groups or the conditions that cause chronic pain”, says Jarrod.