"Absolute Eye-Opener"

I’ve suffered from persistent low back pain for over 30 years which has become increasingly troublesome as I age. After the last flare up, which had me really depressed, I inadvertently managed to get an appointment with an NHS Physiotherapist who did a thorough head to toe examination of my joints and reflexes. She suggested a referral to the Pain Management team as an alternative to invasive treatment such as injections and surgery which in her medical opinion she didn’t feel I needed. After a brief explanation of the mechanics and psychology of pain, I was on board. Within a couple of weeks I’d been contacted by a Pain Management representative who further assessed me and sent literature for the six-week program. Just reading the literature was a revelation! From there I was booked onto the program which consists of weekly three-hour online group sessions led by a Clinical Specialist Pain Practitioner. While these are group sessions, there’s no pressure to be on camera or talk; you can communicate via the typed Chat if you want to say something.

I’m now three weeks into the program and I’m already seeing a huge shift in how I view and manage my pain. Our sessions are led by Pain Practitioner Chris, a very committed, entertaining, down-to-earth guy from the North East. He explains everything in simple and often amusing layman’s terms. I’ve found most of what he has said to be very relatable to my own personal experience - it isn’t all just abstract theoretical medical-speak.

I’m absolutely convinced that if I’d been put on this program when I first injured my back in my 20’s, I wouldn’t have spent the last 30 years thinking I had a dodgy back and was therefore mobility-restricted. Go in with an open mind, embrace the evidence and just allow yourself to be educated about how the body and mind works. In just three weeks I’ve gone from being afraid to bend down to put my socks on to doing deadlifts at the gym!