Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
Written by Dr Phillip Mifsud, Chiropractor & Exercise Physiologist and founder of Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty. Based on Dr Phil’s own video and clinical experience.
Watch the video
Chronic Pain and How to Work Through It
Dr Phil explains this in under two minutes.
How does ordinary pain become chronic pain?
A common story is an injury, often years ago, that was not properly addressed at the start. The pain lingers, and over time it becomes amplified. Dr Phil has experienced chronic pain himself, and has refined how he helps people with it over many years.
What is happening in the body?
With chronic pain, the nervous system becomes hypersensitive. It turns up the volume on pain signals going to the brain. Nearby nerve receptors can start firing too, so pain that began in one spot, such as the lower back, can spread and become more widespread or global.
This process has several names, including central sensitisation, and it is involved in conditions such as fibromyalgia. Some people need medication or formal pain management programs to help manage it.
What actually helps?
With strength comes confidence
Chronic pain is hard to treat, but one approach reliably helps: small, achievable goals that build strength, because strength builds confidence. Confidence is a crucial part of turning chronic pain around.
- Bend forward and stretch during each ad break of your favourite TV show
- Walk to the letterbox and back, then a little further each week
- Choose one simple exercise and do it every day
The snowball effect
As each small goal is achieved, confidence grows, and that has a snowballing effect. Over time it helps shrink widespread pain back down to one spot, and then work on that spot.
Do not do it alone
Get experienced help, get good advice, and do not give up. It is a process, but people do get through it.
Medicare and chronic pain
If you have a chronic condition, your GP may be able to set up a Chronic Disease Management plan, which can provide Medicare rebates for some allied health visits. See our HICAPS, Medicare and health funds page for details.
Who at Bodyline Health can help with chronic pain?
Because Bodyline Health has several disciplines under one roof at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty, your care can be shared between practitioners who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor and Exercise Physiologist): graded exercise and small, achievable goals, with hands-on care.
- Jess Lagerwey (Mental wellness): support with the stress and mood side of living with pain.
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): graded activity and strengthening.
- Catherine Farchione (Acupuncture): acupuncture as part of a pain management plan.
- Chris Panayides (Hypnotherapist): hypnotherapy, which some people use alongside other pain management.
When to seek urgent medical help
See your GP promptly if your pain changes in character, comes with unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats or new numbness or weakness. If you are struggling to cope, reach out. Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
Further reading on chronic pain: Chronic pain (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
What is central sensitisation?
A state where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive and amplifies pain signals, so pain persists or spreads beyond the original injury.
Why does chronic pain spread?
When the nervous system is sensitised, nearby nerve receptors can start firing too, making pain more widespread.
What is the best way to manage chronic pain?
Building strength and confidence through small, achievable daily goals, with guidance from experienced practitioners and your GP.
Can exercise help chronic pain?
Yes. Gradual, achievable exercise builds strength and confidence, which can help reduce pain over time.
Can I get Medicare rebates for chronic pain treatment?
Your GP may be able to set up a Chronic Disease Management plan that provides Medicare rebates for some allied health visits.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
