Pain Management - Let's Talk October

It’s estimated that nearly 28 million people in the UK live with some form of chronic pain. It affects around 30% of young adults of working age and up to 62% of people over 75.

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists beyond the expected healing period, typically lasting longer than three months. Stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness can all intensify pain, leading to low mood, frustration, and increased anxiety. This pattern is often referred to as the “pain cycle.”

For the October Let’s Talk, we were joined by UCLH Complex Pain team with presenters Ethel Carboni Jardim, Advanced Practice Physiotherapist, Dr Steve Coen, Clinical Psychologist and Nick Williamson, Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

They gave a really helpful insight into pain and provided details of positive steps we can take to help manage pain and improve our wellbeing.

See the UCLH Complex ‘Pain Talk’ slides.

See the UCLH Complex ‘Pain Talk’ video below.

Please note that this recording of the Let's Talk presentation is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice.

❤️ Attendees shared their thoughts and views

Islington resident, Rita, reflected on the pain mangement talk. She shared her experience of living with pain and how she copes with this in the video below.

Islington resident, Deborah, lives with pain and says "It's just frightening when I cannot do things that I want to do. Cooking dinner can take up to eight hours. I can't do it continuously, so I divide the work throughout the day."

Islington resident, Rose-John, said that she found the Let's Talk session "Extremely useful - the pain management team addressed my feelings in their talk. 

I used to do the housework during the good days and next day I felt in pain and didn't do anything. This is the "boom and bust" that the team talked about in their presentation. As well as avoiding the "boom and bust" cycle I also realise that it's important to focus on what options I can do, rather than avoiding things completely.

Something else that was highlighted in the presentation is that it's important not to just manage the symptoms, but also to reach out to get support for how you're feeling. Finding other people who are in a similar situation who you can talk to can be really helpful too. Whilst it's frustrating waiting for NHS services, it's important to keep active and do something to keep positive in the meantime.".

❤️ More information

❤️ Further support

If you are experiencing persistent pain, you might want to consider the following support:

• Talk to your GP about the pain you're experiencing
• You can talk to your GP about a possible referral to the Multidisciplinary Pain Clinics e.g. Pain Management Centre at Cleveland Street, Camden.
• Multi-Disciplinary Pain Clinics are specialist centres where a team of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists, work together to help people manage chronic pain.
• You can also refer yourself to local NHS Talking Therapies or ask your GP. 
• You can speak to Age UK Islington to find out about community exercise opportunities or mindfulness classes.

If you're not feeling confident in finding the support you need, do get in touch with Age UK Islington.

Contact Age UK Islington on gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk or call them on 020 7281 6018 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm).

❤️ Let's Talk next month

Age UK Islington runs a regular Let's Talk event, with different topics every month - responding to ideas and feedback from Islington residents. 

This monthly forum is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your thoughts and connect with others. Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with plenty of time for discussion. We’d love to hear your views!

Find out more and request a place!