Dr Amir Khan, a regular on ITV, has issued vital health guidance for individuals struggling with chronic pain, reassuring them that "you're not imagining this." In a recent Instagram video, he shared five essential points learned from his patients, emphasizing that sufferers often feel disbelieved, especially when symptoms are not "visible."
Five Key Insights for Chronic Pain Sufferers
In the video caption, Dr Amir wrote: "I always say I learn from my patients, and here are five things my patients with chronic pain have taught me." He continued: "Here are five things I want you to know if you're living with chronic pain, because sometimes you need someone to say, 'I believe you.'"
1. You Are Not Imagining This
Dr Amir's first point offered reassurance: "Number one - you're not imagining this. Just because your pain isn't always visible doesn't mean it's not real. You don't need to justify it to anyone. Not even to yourself."
Chronic pain is generally defined as pain lasting longer than three months in one or more areas of the body. The root cause may not always be identifiable, but it can stem from an unhealed injury, ongoing health conditions, changes to the nervous system, or psychological factors such as stress, depression, or emotional trauma. It cannot always be managed through medication and can significantly disrupt daily activities, routines, and responsibilities, often accompanied by persistent fatigue and low mood.
2. It's Okay to Grieve Your Old Life
"Number two - it's okay to grieve your old life," Dr Amir said. "Chronic pain can change your body and your world. It's human to miss what you could do before; that grief deserves space."
3. You Are Still You
"Number three - you're still you. Your energy might dip, your plans might change, but your kindness, humour, and strength are untouched. You're still you at your core."
4. Rest Is Not Laziness
"Number four - this is really important. Rest is not laziness. You're not giving up. You're recalibrating; listening to your body isn't weak, it's wise."
5. You Are Not Alone
"And number five, even though it might feel like it, you are not alone. There are millions of others navigating this. You deserve care, understanding, and a community that sees your strength in your struggle."
He continued: "I've learnt this from dealing with patients in chronic pain every day at work. So if today, all you did was survive, that's still worthy and more than enough."
What the NHS Says
According to the NHS website, long-term pain can arise from various causes, including arthritis, back problems, previous injuries, illness, or nerve damage. If you have experienced pain for longer than 12 weeks, it recommends consulting your GP.
The GP may:
- Carry out a physical examination
- Discuss your pain history
- Identify where the pain is coming from
- Record your level of pain
- Check for signs of any illness that could be causing or worsening your pain
- Ask how your pain is affecting your life
The NHS states: "The GP may suggest trying some painkillers for short-term pain relief. However, painkillers are generally not considered a primary way to manage long-term pain. If appropriate, the GP may suggest ways for you to stay active, which can help ease pain and improve your general wellbeing." You could also be referred for complementary therapy to see if it helps.
Further guidance is available from organisations including Action on Pain, the British Pain Society, and Pain Concern.
