Managing pain and living with a long term condition

Managing pain

As you age, your body may experience more wear and tear, but long-lasting pain is not a natural part of ageing. If you’re in pain, and it won’t go away, talk to your GP or staff working with you.

It’s not always possible to stop the pain, but it may be possible to reduce it.

Depending on the reason for the pain, your GP or another professional may ask a physical therapist to work with you. They will help you with stretches and pain relief. This can help you recover after illness or accident.

What can help?

It often helps to keep active, stay mobile and take as much exercise as you can. Keeping your mind occupied also helps. If you are unsure, talk to your GP.

Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help and allow you to exercise, but always take them carefully - watch out for side-effects and read the label.

If in doubt, or if they aren’t helping after a couple of weeks, talk to a pharmacist or your GP.

Who to contact

If you are experiencing any of the issues described above, please contact your GP or pharmacist.

Useful external links

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Living with a long term condition

A long term condition (LTC) is an illness that cannot be cured but can usually be controlled with medicine or other treatments. Examples of long term conditions include:

  • arthritis
  • asthma
  • diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • angina
  • heart failure
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)

We want to ensure that as far as possible, people with LTCs can maintain or enhance their quality of life through accessing high-quality services and supported self-management.

Tips

Having an LTC can be frustrating or worrying at times. It is very common for health conditions to affect how you feel, and for your mood to affect your health condition. This can lead to you feeling stressed, low, anxious or worried. Do not isolate yourself! There is plenty of help out there to support you in managing your condition. Here are some suggestions:

  • Recognise individual risk factors that may impact your long term health: smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, etc.
  • Get active, and set yourself achievable goals. 
  • Seek expert advice from your GP, nurse or other healthcare professional involved in your care. They can help you achieve your goals.
  • Get the people you love more involved in your care and life choices.
  • Look out for support groups and mental health advice.
  • Learn more about your condition by attending self-management courses.
  • Manage your condition yourself, as much as you can. You can get the right resources to do it in your home.
  • Do not miss your appointments.
  • Get a list of questions or worries that can be taken to appointments for further discussion.

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Page last updated:

February 13, 2023