Myths about Chronic Pain – by Dr. Tasha Stanton

Chronic pain, or pain that sticks around for longer than three months, affects one in five Australians.

We have all experienced pain. Think of the last time you stubbed your toe, got a paper cut, or burned yourself on the oven.

It is certainly not fun, but it usually goes away quite quickly.

Imagine though, what it would be like to have pain that does not go away and is there every single day — that is chronic pain.

What not to say to someone who’s in chronic pain.

Myth 1: Pain is all in your head

Myth 2: Medications are the only treatment that will help you

Myth 3: More tissue damage means worse pain

Myth 4: You should get a scan to discover the pain source

Myth 5: A stiff upper lip is all you need to block out pain