‘Self-management’ of chronic musculoskeletal pain: what patients say helps them do it (or not)
Patients are encouraged to ‘self-manage’ their chronic pain conditions. But there are external and personal factors that will either help or hinder their ability to do this. And healthcare practitioners are one of the main external factors. So how can they help?
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of disability. It includes some of the most common pain conditions in the joints and bones — like osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. One important part of our work injury system that can influence recovery and RTW is health care. And one important role of effective healthcare is to help people understand how to care for their health, manage their condition and increase their sense of c...