Chronic pain can be from a number of issues and is often associated with unresolved non-specific low back pain or arthritis, such as osteoarthritis. It can also be from neuropathic pain, where the nerve itself becomes dysfunctional and sends out nociceptive (pain) signals. Unfortunately, you are not usually given a specific diagnosis and have to cope with pain using medication and by pacing your activity levels. Maintaining your strength and flexibility can help to control your symptoms. A physiotherapist can help advise on how to maintain or improve your strength and flexibility without aggravating your symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with neuropathic pain, there are medications that can be prescribed by your doctor or consultant to reduce your symptoms. These were originally used for depression and epilepsy and they can have some side-effects for some people, but can be very helpful with neuropathic pain. This can be especially helpful in conjunction with physiotherapy and manual therapy to reduce irritation on the nerve and help with long term resolution of your symptoms.
Physiotherapy can provide relief from chronic pain with manual therapy, and electrophysical agents such as ultrasound, interferential, or laser. Using a TENS machine at home can be helpful with managing your pain if you don’t have neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is often aggravated by electrical stimulation. Physiotherapy may not resolve your problem but it may help you cope with your symptoms by providing periods with less or no pain. However, if you have not had any manual therapy or other physiotherapy treatments, and have only been given exercises, medicaiton and advice, you may benefit from physiotherapy. Some clients find that regular manual therapy, acupuncture/dry needling and exercises can help them manage their pain. The frequency of this treatment can vary depending on how much relief they get from treatment. It can vary from weekly to every six weeks.