Sam Mason Discusses NHS Fife’s Pain Initiative on BBC

Sam Mason from Pain Concern discusses NHS Fife’s Chronic Pain Management Initiative on BBC Scotland’s The Nine

One of August’s highlights was the appearance of our very own Sam Mason on BBC Scotland’s news program The Nine. She offered insights into NHS Fife’s Chronic Pain Management Initiative to reduce the use of strong painkillers.

NHS Fife’s Chronic Pain Management Initiative

NHS Fife’s approach focuses on educating patients about the limited effectiveness of strong painkillers and promoting alternative pain management techniques. The initiative encourages collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, to explore non-drug interventions that can help manage pain more effectively and sustainably.

Sam Mason Discusses Pain Management Alternatives

In the second clip, Sam discusses the broader implications of NHS Fife’s initiative. She emphasises that while painkillers have a role, they are only one part of a comprehensive pain management strategy. Sam highlights the benefits of alternative therapies like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and movement activities. She also touches on the importance of community support, sharing how peer-support groups can provide invaluable emotional and social benefits to those living with chronic pain.

The Need for a Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain

This discussion on BBC Scotland underscores the need for a holistic approach to chronic pain management. NHS Fife’s initiative serves as a model for reducing dependency on strong painkillers and encouraging the use of alternative therapies that can lead to more sustainable and effective pain management. By educating and empowering patients, initiatives like this can significantly improve the lives of those living with chronic pain.

Resources

Pain Concern provides many free, high-quality resources to educate and empower individuals with chronic pain.