MS Pain Management 6 of 7
Goal setting
It can be helpful to discuss specific goals with a health professional. For example, it might be to get a full night’s sleep, to have four hours free of pain each day, or to reduce pain sufficiently to take part in a social event or activity. Achieving targets for pain relief can help make clear – for both you and your doctors – which strategies work for you, maximising the effects of your efforts.
Pain clinics
If you have ongoing or recurrent pain, you might be referred to a pain clinic by your doctor or MS nurse. Pain clinics specialise in finding ways to cope with pain and minimising its impact. The treatments that pain clinics offer varies. Specialist teams may include doctors, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, but in some cases might involve only a single consultant, who can prescribe drug treatments. Other clinics might offer acupuncture or other complementary therapies. Pain clinics sometimes run ‘pain management programmes’ that work with groups of people experiencing pain, over a set period of time.
However, not all areas have pain specialist services and it may not be easy to access such a service. The British Pain Society has more information about clinics in your area and what they can offer: www.britishpainsociety.org. Compliments of MS Society in the UK
Self-management expert patient Programme You may also find self-management expert patient programmes helpful. These courses are run by, and for, people with a long-term condition. They include techniques for managing pain and for living with a long-term condition such as MS.
The MS Society website www.mssociety.org.uk has more information about self-management courses. To find out about courses in your area, go to www.expertpatients.co.uk, or ask your GP or MS nurse.
MS Helpline The award winning freephone MS Helpline offers information and support to anyone with MS, their families, friends and carers. Trained Helpline staff can answer questions about MS and related personal issues. All calls are treated in complete confidence. Information about MS is available in 150 different languages by speaking to a Helpline worker via an interpreter. Freephone 0808 800 8000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-9pm).
MS Society National Centre, Information Centre Based at the MS National Centre in London, the Information Centre is equipped for visitors to read or locate books and journals or view videos and DVDs. The Information Centre also runs an information line: 020 8438 0799, Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm, which you can call to request publications, research articles or other information about MS.
Local information centres There are MS Society local information and support centres in many locations around the country. These centres are staffed by volunteers who can help you with information about MS and services in your area. Call 020 8438 0799 for the details of your nearest centre.
Local branches The MS Society has a network of some 340 local branches across the UK. The branches – run by trained volunteers – provide information about MS and local services, a chance to meet others affected by MS and take part in a range of activities. For more information check the MS Society website or call 020 8438 0759. 16Pain and sensory symptoms © MS Society 07/07
Compliments of:
UK Multiple Sclerosis Society