How do you cope when the pain won't go away?

Monday 23 May 2005

Researchers at the University of Newcastle will be asking just this question in a new nationwide study on how people cope with chronic pain.

Dr Mark Chorlton and Ben Fletcher from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology are looking for participants who suffer from chronic pain, defined as a persistent pain that has lasted for more than three to six months.

"It is estimated that over 10% of Australians suffer from chronic pain, and for some people this pain will persist in some form for the rest of their lives," says Ben.

"Chronic pain can be psychologically challenging. For example, it often doesn't make sense to us if pain continues after an injury has healed."

"There may or may not be clear answers as to why such pain continues and to experience this can be very confusing, frustrating and frightening."

The cause of the pain may have been a congenital condition, such as scoliosis, or an acute injury like a motor vehicle accident or work injury. Many sufferers may be unsure about the ultimate cause of their pain.

"No matter what the situation there are a diverse variety of psychological challenges and a variety of ways people cope with this experience, some more effective than others."

"When conventional efforts including medication to take the pain away are not completely successful, people are focusing more on managing their pain, and not letting it get in the way of living their lives."

"If we can clarify factors in adjusting to chronic pain, we may be able to target treatments and strategies to better assist people in this process towards coping more effectively, and reduce psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety," says Ben.

People who suffer from chronic pain are invited to complete a questionnaire as part of this study. Responses are given anonymously, and participation is voluntary. People interested in participating should contact Dr Mark Chorlton on (02) 4921 7260 or email Mark.Chorlton@newcastle.edu.au or Benjamin.Fletcher@studentmail.newcastle.edu.au

For media interviews contact Kate Reid, University of Newcastle Media Unit, on (02) 4921 5351 or 0438 745 098.