The way that we think and our beliefs when we’re experiencing pain can have a big impact on how confident we are that we’re able to manage it.
Sometimes when we have pain, it can feel as though it is never going to end. However, the things we do know about pain tell us that these thoughts are not often true.
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You are not alone!
Around a third of adults in England experience persistent or recurrent pain.
It is common to not be able to identify the cause of the pain
This is normal. Although this can be difficult for us to understand and accept, sometimes musculoskeletal pain is not caused by anything, it just happens.
In most cases the pain is not caused by anything serious, and will get better over time.
If you’re feeling concerned about your pain, it’s important to reach out and book an appointment with a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
Imaging (such as X-rays or scans) and surgery are often not needed.
Your GP or healthcare professional will tell you if they think this is something that would be helpful for you.
Keeping active
Including going to work, keeping a normal routine, and exercising) is one of the most effective ways to manage pain.
Click here for keeping active inspiration
Bee-lief…
‘I worry my pain will get worse if I don’t rest’
Research tells us…
Being inactive for a long time can lead to low mood and increased isolation creating a cycle of pain that can be hard to break!
Feeling the need to rest when in pain is natural, but staying active is important for your well-being.
- Avoiding activity due to the fear of causing more pain or harm can lead to more damage, as your body becomes accustomed to inactivity, making even ‘normal’ activities like walking difficult.
- Being inactive for a long time can lead to low mood and increased isolation creating a cycle of pain that can be hard to break!
- The best way to avoid or break this cycle is to stay active. You don’t have to do everything you did before the pain but doing a steady amount will help.
Click here for practical tips to stay active.
Stay active, keep moving, and break the cycle of pain
Work not only keeps us active but also makes us feel positive, develops our skills, boosts self-confidence, provides social interaction and friendship, and creates a routine or structure. It acts as a distraction from pain.
- Research suggests that those who continue working despite pain often recover faster and experience fewer pain episodes in future.
- Going to work with pain can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the positive things we get from working can help.
- Remember, you don’t have to work at full pace while managing pain. If pain is affecting your ability to work, your healthcare professional (for example, General practitioners, physiotherapists, and nurses) can provide a fit note.
What positive things do you gain from work?
A fit note provides advice on the type of work activities you can do based on your current health condition and may be revised to match what you’re able to do as you manage your pain.
- Fit notes can be provided free of charge from your health professional after seven days off sick (including non-workdays such as weekends and bank holidays).
- Fit notes are decided by you, your GP and supported by your place of work.
- Your GP may recommend that you temporarily work part-time hours, work from home (if possible), perform different or amended duties, and have extra support to complete your job. These recommendations will need support from your workplace.
- You do not have to wait until your fit note runs out to return to work. Most people are not 100% ‘fit’ when they go back to work or return to their previous duties. You can go back to work whenever you feel ready to, even if you are still experiencing pain.
For more information on staying in work and fit notes visit NHS and Gov.uk