Pain and pain management
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- Back pain
Back pain is common. Some people will develop back pain that is persistent (lasts more than three months). There are many things that you can do to live well with back pain.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition of a person?s arm, hand, leg or foot, which occurs after an injury, such as a fracture.
- Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition associated with widespread pain and tenderness.
- Living with persistent pain
Pain is our built-in alarm system. It makes us aware that something might be going wrong in our body. However, there are many things you can do to deal effectively with persistent pain.
- Neuralgia
Neuralgia is pain in a nerve pathway. Generally, neuralgia isn’t an illness in its own right, but a symptom of injury or a particular disorder.
- Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is common in our community. The good news is that with appropriate treatment pain will improve so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
- When do I need to see my doctor about persistent pain?
Living with persistent pain isn’t easy. Your doctor can help you balance your pain, your treatment and hurdles you encounter in life.
- Ankle sprains
Ankle sprain is a common sports injuries caused by overstretching and tearing the supporting ligaments.
- Arthritis explained
People can manage their arthritis using medication, physiotherapy, exercise and self management techniques.
- Back pain
Back pain is common. Some people will develop back pain that is persistent (lasts more than three months). There are many things that you can do to live well with back pain.
- Back pain – disc problems
Most disc problems resolve without specific treatment.
- Bone fractures
Common sites for bone fractures include the wrist, ankle and hip.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive hand movements, pregnancy and arthritis.
- Elbow pain
Elbow pain and can result from overuse in a range of sports or occupations.
- Hip disorders
The hip joint is complicated to allow a wide range of motion while still supporting the weight of the body.
- Osteoporosis
A healthy, calcium-rich diet and regular physical activity throughout life can help prevent osteoporosis.
- Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is common in our community. The good news is that with appropriate treatment pain will improve so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
- Headache
Although nearly all of us will experience a headache during our lifetime, persistent headaches need to be medically investigated with tests such as scans, eye tests or sinus x-rays.
- Headache – migraine
Migraine causes a severe and throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, as well as symptoms such as nausea.
- Living with Migraines - Diagnosis (video)
In this video clip, people share their first experiences of migraine and describe the pain that accompanies them. They also share the frequency that they experience migraines.
- Finding reliable health information
Trusted health information can be found through your local doctor or pharmacy and other reliable health providers.
- Healthcare decision-making – options, benefits and risks
Ask a doctor and research health information when making a health decision. This will include the cost, timing and regularity of medical treatment.
- Living with Migraines - Diagnosis (video)
In this video clip, people share their first experiences of migraine and describe the pain that accompanies them. They also share the frequency that they experience migraines.
- Living with persistent pain
Pain is our built-in alarm system. It makes us aware that something might be going wrong in our body. However, there are many things you can do to deal effectively with persistent pain.
- Managing long-term illness and chronic conditions
Chronic condition management includes positive lifestyle factors like a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep and social support.
- Pain and pain management – adults
Always see your doctor if you have ongoing pain to find the best pain-management option for you.
- Pain management (acute) - children
If you think your child is in pain, always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
- Treating persistent pain
Pain is our built-in alarm system. It makes us aware that something might be going wrong in our body. However, there are many things you can do to deal effectively with persistent pain.
- Types of doctors and health professionals
Doctors and other health professionals all have a different role to play in your healthcare.
- When do I need to see my doctor about persistent pain?
Living with persistent pain isn’t easy. Your doctor can help you balance your pain, your treatment and hurdles you encounter in life.
- Who's who in your healthcare team
Your healthcare team may include a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, medical specialists, allied health professionals and complementary medicine practitioners.
- Working with your healthcare team
If you see a number of healthcare professionals, it is important to tell them about any other healthcare services you are using.
- Confidentiality and privacy in healthcare
There are laws that set out how healthcare professionals can collect and store your health information and when they are allowed to share it.
- Informed consent for medical treatment
Informed consent means having enough information about a medical procedure to decide whether to have it done.
- Patient-centred care explained
Patient-centred care, also known as ‘person-centred care’, is about treating the person receiving the care in the way they want to be treated.
- Paying for healthcare
Ask your doctor and healthcare providers what you will be charged for each new service, what is covered by Medicare and what is included in your healthcare plan.
- Primary healthcare explained
Primary healthcare is the first contact a person has with the health care system when they have a health problem. This is usually your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist.
- Second opinions
You have the right to ask a doctor for a second opinion if you are unsure about your doctor's suggested medical treatment or a diagnosis.
- Understanding health insurance
There are many health insurance providers on the market that offer a wide variety of healthcare plans.
- Understanding Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s national public health insurance, providing free or subsidised healthcare to all Australians and most permanent residents.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that affects one in 10 women. It can sometimes cause severe pain and might reduce your fertility. There are many treatment options available.
- Living with Migraines - Diagnosis (video)
In this video clip, people share their first experiences of migraine and describe the pain that accompanies them. They also share the frequency that they experience migraines.
- Neck pain
Treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy or remedial massage can generally help neck and shoulder pain.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.
- Sciatica
Most cases of sciatica resolve by themselves within six weeks to three months.
- Second opinions
You have the right to ask a doctor for a second opinion if you are unsure about your doctor's suggested medical treatment or a diagnosis.
- Seeing a doctor or general practitioner (GP)
Your local doctor or general practitioner (GP) is your first point of call for non-emergency and preventative medical care during clinic hours.
- Seeing a specialist
Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine.
- Seeing an allied health professional
Allied health professionals are university-trained health practitioners who work as part of your healthcare team.