Experiencing daily pain without a clear cause is not something to dismiss as normal. Dr. Amir Khan, a well-known figure from ITV daytime shows like Lorraine and This Morning, has shed light on the possibility that this persistent symptom might indicate a serious and debilitating condition.
In an empathetic Instagram post, Dr. Khan emphasized the reality of the pain, stating, “Your pain is REAL. You deserve compassion, understanding, and proper support.” While pain can be a broad signal of various issues, the severity of the experience should not be diminished, as each individual’s pain can differ significantly.
If you consistently receive normal test results but continue to grapple with unexplained pain, it could be beneficial to discuss the possibility of nociplastic pain with your GP. Identifying the underlying cause of your pain is a crucial first step towards effective management and potential recovery.
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Developing a deeper understanding of the internal mechanisms behind your pain can be pivotal in effectively addressing and managing the condition, as highlighted by Dr. Amir Khan. It is essential not to disregard the potential presence of ‘nociplastic pain’ even if it seems like the pain is originating solely in the mind.
This type of disabling pain, as described by Dr. Khan, is frequently resistant to standard pain medications and is often associated with an overly sensitive nervous system, where the perception of pain is amplified without apparent tissue damage or nerve injury.
Individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic lower back pain, and long COVID commonly experience this type of distressing pain, and it is important to emphasize that nociplastic pain is genuine and not a figment of one’s imagination.
Dr. Khan elucidated that this heightened pain is attributed to an overactive response within parts of the brain responsible for detecting and responding to pain. Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body and is often accompanied by various other symptoms as outlined by the NHS.
The precise cause of fibromyalgia remains elusive, with its association to abnormal levels of certain brain chemicals and alterations in the processing of pain messages by the central nervous system. If you are contending with unexplained and persistent pain aligning with these characteristics, it may be prudent to request an assessment for fibromyalgia from your doctor.
Although a definitive cure for fibromyalgia is currently unavailable, there are treatments designed to help alleviate some of the symptoms and enhance the manageability of the condition.
Dr. Khan emphasized the significance of acknowledging and validating patients' experiences, underscoring the truth that “your pain is real - you deserve compassion, understanding, and proper support” even if previous scans have yielded normal results but your daily pain persists.
It is crucial to consult a GP if enduring pain significantly disrupts your daily routines or if there are concerns regarding its origin. Valuable resources for guidance and support can be accessed on the NHS website.