1 in 5 Australain’s will suffer from chronic pain – pain lasting three months or longer – during their lives, which may drain the enjoyment from everyday living.
The drivers of chronic pain may involve the interplay of nerve pain – embedded in the brain and spinal cord – with psychological factors, such as mental disorders, stress, sleep deprivation, and social conflict. It is rarely caused by mechanical or structural issues alone, and that’s why many factors should be considered to provide effective pain management.
Unfortunately, if left untreated, persistent pain may increase in intensity over time as the nerve pathways become more sensitive to stimuli, and the brain becomes more efficient at producing pain. Therefore it is crucial to address the issue with a comprehensive pain management plan as early as possible.