NHS Pain Management 8-Week Course - Are they any good?

[wintermintgreen]

I've been referred to a Pain Management course after suffering from chronic lower-back pain for two years. I've only had around 5-6 treatments (pills, physio etc.) and nothing has worked. I'm worried that my referral is because I'm not going to receive any more treatment (even though I was told I had lots more treatment options left) and they just want me to "cope" with this. What are your experiences? Did you find this course was the end of the road or more a supplementary experience along side your treatment? I ask because the cost of travel just to get to this course is going to be an issue and I don't want to waste my time/money if it's not going to be any good.

[fairytails]

IVE BEEN PUT ON THIS COURSE BUT WAS TOLD ID HAVE TO STAY IN LONDON FOR A WEEK COME HOME WEEKENDS! IM STRESSED AT THE THOUGHT OF IT AS I DONT LIKE BEING AWAY WITH STRANGERS KEEP ME INFORMED AND WHEN I GET MY DETAILS MAYBE WEL BE THERE AT THE SAME TIME! LOL! HAPPY NEW YEAR BTW! X

[wintermintgreen]

My course isn't one where you stay away from home, but I still have to pay travel expenses there and back for 8 weeks - which adds up. I am uncomfortable with the fact they want us to exercise whilst there but I prefer to do my exercises at home where I have equipment I can use and the peace and quiet to focus. I wonder if they'll let me sit out especially as the exercises I do are the stage up from the ones on the course!

[Ifeelittoo]

Hi I have just finished the pmp course and have found it help full and it is to help you learn new techniques to help you with daily living and how to pacing what you do, relaxation techniques and exercises to help you do this that you might struggle with. Also help you to understand thing around pain also sleep things to use to help you with different things. the exercises are gentle movements to help you no one stares and they are there because they are struggling with pain you will still see the pain clinic they are not stopping treatment for your pain. and you might like I have made friend who understand what it is like to live with pain they might have found something that has help them cope a bit with there pain. everyone is there for a reason and want help just like you and me. so it will be useful and enjoy time out from daily grind of life . Good luck.

[thenunn]

Hi I live in hampshire ,as ifeelittoo said, its all about learning new ways to cope,cognitive therapy type ,some of which was helpful,like pacing,understanding what the pain actually is,discussing medication and whether surgery. However,in my case,when i found no relief and asked to be referred it was deemed 'probably' not worthwhile..so in some ways it is used as a plaster,a money saving option,and my pm team has now been demolished anyway . So do not expect miracles..but do take on board and try the self help,if nothing else its more tools to help cope .

[Hidden]

Normally in our area pain control is done over a number of weeks, with additional outpament, treatments and extra courses. They will help you control your pain and are there to assist you.

That will not effect your treatments, although they may have further ideas on what can be done too help

Good luck and get as much out of this clinic that you can

[johnsmith]

If this isKingston pain clinic it will be well worth it. They have an Alexander Teacher there who teaches the people who attend.

I have been doing Alexander Technique for over 35 years.

[wintermintgreen]

Nope, this is in Solihull, not massively impressed with their phyio/pain management department. I might just try some home self-help approaches as my pain has no cause.

[nedd]

The Pain Management course should really be called learning to live a long side your pain. I found it to be a useful supplement to other treatments. The idea was to get you as mobile as possible. The exercises were so gentle compared with physio everybody on the course had their own base line to work to and the staff helped each one of us tweak the exercises to suit us. All sorts of other things were addressed from goal setting to work. It was a chance to meet others trying to manage a life with pain and also gave me space to unload my worries. It was on the whole worthwhile and motivational. I felt it was about trying to play the best game you can in life even though its dealt you a crap hand.

Some of the people who were on benefits had a traveling allowance and some who lived some distance were offered B and B all paid for.