Posts by NIPM
COVID-19 Update- Elective Surgery
As you may have heard, the Australian Government made an announcement on the 21st of April in regards to the restrictions on elective surgery. Unfortunately pain procedures did not come under the category for reinstatement starting from the 28th April. What does this mean to NIPM and NIPM patients awaiting procedures? Unfortunately we can not…
Read MoreChronic Pain | Focus on function as a priority
Focus on Function Should be Priority Chronic pain is distinguished from acute pain which is a more normal part of life e.g. a skinned knee, a bone fracture. Like all other chronic diseases, chronic pain should be managed with the focus being on optimising function rather than a continual focus on trying to find the…
Read MorePain psychology & improving quality of life
By Dr Christie Mason, Clinical Pain Psychologist at Northern Integrated Pain Management Pain is just the catalyst. Its not necessarily about the pain, its about everything it takes away from you. Before Mary had pain, she slept nine hours a night, now she sleeps 2. Before Mark had pain he enjoyed camping and fishing, now…
Read MoreElliot Krane: The mystery of chronic pain
Ted Talk with Elliot Krane We think of pain as a symptom, but there are cases where the nervous system develops feedback loops and pain becomes a terrifying disease in itself. Starting with the story of a girl whose sprained wrist turned into a nightmare, Elliot Krane talks about the complex mystery of chronic pain,…
Read MoreUnderstanding Pain: Brainman chooses
First step in treating Pain Learn as much as you can about pain in order to find the most effective treatment. Look at the mind body connection. Are there any underlying issues contributing to pain in the body. Look at reducing your overall stress in conjunction with good nutrition.
Read MoreUnderstanding Pain in less than 5 minutes
Acute pain and Chronic pain You may have had pain for a few weeks or a few months – this is called Acute pain (e.g. back injury or an ankle sprain). If you have had pain for more than 3 months – this is called Chronic pain.
Read MoreUnderstanding Pain: Brainman stops his opioids
Opioids no longer recommended ‘Brainman stops his opioids’ holds the succinct message why opioids (narcotic medications) are no longer recommended for chronic pain management (for non-cancer pain).
Read MoreSpinal Cord Stimulation effective for low back pain
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an implantable pain management device. It involves small flexible electrodes (“leads”) being placed in the epidural space of the spine through needles. Safe electrical pulses are passed through the leads – which creates a powerful pain blocking effect for lower back pain.
Read MoreNarcotic medications in pain management
In recent decades, narcotic medications have been widely used outside hospitals for managing pain. In Australia the prescription of narcotics for chronic pain in the community has escalated over the last 10-15 years. Prescription levels now seem more stable.
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