If you suffer from chronic pain, the interaction between your pain and your psychological state is not always apparent to those around you.
You will naturally try to put on a ‘brave face’ for the benefit of family and friends and, in all likelihood, for your legal representative as well.
As solicitors we find that clients often exhibit a natural reticence to discuss their mood and feelings, lest there be some assumption that in some way their debilitating chronic pain is all in their mind.
However, when you think about it, it is fairly obvious that chronic pain is going to take its toll psychologically. How can it not? Indeed, many sufferers find that the effect on their mood and feelings worsens to the extent that they become clinically depressed, sometimes severely. The stress and depression becomes all-consuming and can serve to worsen the pain. The increase in their pain worsens their depression, which in turn worsens their pain, creating a vicious downward cycle which can be difficult to break.
“If only I’d known that you existed at the outset, I wouldn’t have wasted nearly 2 years with [my previous solicitors]. What a difference you made! You actually know what you’re talking about and were a pleasure to deal with.” JP (£200,000 received), September 2017
‘Chronic Pain Syndrome’ versus ‘Chronic Pain Disorder’
It is perhaps important at this stage to understand the difference between a ‘Chronic Pain Syndrome’ and a ‘Chronic Pain Disorder’ and the possible interaction between the two.
‘Chronic Pain Syndrome’ is a generic term usually used to refer to persistent pain which has a readily identifiable physical cause. ‘Chronic Pain Disorder’ on the other hand, is a term applied to persistent pain where there may be no clear and obvious physical cause for the pain. In other words, the pain is absolutely genuine, but there it may be psychological cause.
As a result of the psychological impact of living with persistent pain, people diagnosed with a chronic pain syndrome such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) may additionally go on to develop a chronic pain disorder, which can serve to further entrench their pain, making it more resistant to therapy. It is for this reason that a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment is so important; for treatment to succeed, the physical and the psychological symptoms must be treated concurrently.
Depression is usually treated with a combination of antidepressant medication, commonly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (or SSRIs), and therapy – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and/or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
It is always important in the context of a claim for compensation for chronic pain that the cost of future treatment is accurately quantified and included. This is particularly important for psychological treatment as it is a sad fact that as many as 50% of people treated for depression will suffer further relapses.
“Thank your for all of your time and hard work. You really did inspire me with confidence at a very difficult time, which is much appreciated.” HJ (£145,000 received), December 2017
Why do you need a specialist Chronic Pain Syndrome Solicitor?
Over many years, we have worked with hundreds of clients suffering a variety of chronic pain conditions. Accordingly, not only do we have an unrivalled understanding of chronic pain, but also excellent working relationships with many of the country’s leading medical experts. As Chronic Pain Syndrome Solicitors, this is knowledge and expertise we use daily for our clients’ benefit.
We understand
We understand the fundamental importance of seeking early specialist treatment and are regularly able to arrange funding for the complete range of treatment options.
Most of our clients begin their claims with other law firms before becoming disillusioned with their lack of understanding of their condition.
In summary, what you can expect when you instruct us is:
- access to the leading experts in chronic pain to get you the specialist medical help you so desperately need;
- regular requests for early interim payments to fund the cost of treatment and rehabilitation as recommended by the medical experts;
- consideration as to whether you would benefit from a medically qualified case manager to co-ordinate your treatment, rehabilitation, purchase of specialist equipment and adaptations to your home.
“Andrew, I feel so lucky to have found you. What a difference you made! Let’s face it, with [previous solicitors] the claim was heading for the rocks. Thank you so much.” TR (£265,000 received), October 2018
What will happen when you call us?
For a free, confidential discussion, contact us either using the form at the bottom of this page, or call us on 01225 462871.
One of our specialist Chronic Pain Syndrome solicitors will be waiting to speak with you. They will be able to talk through your situation and make a realistic assessment of how we can maximise your compensation and, crucially, help you to obtain the early, specialist treatment you need.
For information on chronic pain, including the latest on research and treatment, please also keep an eye on our informative and regularly updated Blog.