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Pain
"It's important to try and let people know if you are having pain."
A stroke itself doesn't hurt, although some people get a headache. But after having a stroke, some people find themselves in pain.
Here are some of the causes of pain after stroke:
'Frozen shoulder'
If someone pulls on your weak or paralysed arm, this can injure your shoulder joint.
This can be very painful.
What can be done?
- A physiotherapist can show you how to move your weak arm without damaging the shoulder joing or what to do if your shoulder is painful.
- Ask whether an injection could ease a painful 'frozen shoulder'.
- Some people find acupuncture useful.
Pressure sores
If your are sitting or lying down for a long time without changing position, your skin can get sore.
What can be done?
- Pressure sores should be prevented and can be treated.
- If you are confined to a bed or a chair, hospital nurses will make sure you change position frequently.
- Special cushions and beds can help prevent or ease pressure sores.
'Thalamic pain'
Sometimes, a stroke can cause severe pain by damaging nerve fibres in your body.
Sometimes the pain feels like burning or stabbing.
The pain may be made worse if you are cold or stressed.
This deep pain is called thalamic pain or central post-stroke pain.
What can be done?
Unfortunately, ordinary painkillers don't help deep, thalamic pain.
Even very powerful painkillers don't work.
But your doctor may be able to suggest some medication which may help.
This may need a few weeks to take effect.
If the pain continues, you may need help to cope with:
- Relaxation and other techniques may help you to reduce the pain.
- Some electrical gadgets (such as TENS) can help the pain.
- Some people find acupuncture and other alternative approaches helpful.
You don't have to put up with pain. Tell your doctor about it.
- You can get help to relieve pain. Ask to be referred to a Pain Relief Centre or a local Pain Clinic.
- A speech and language therapist may be able to help you describe where the pain is and what it is like.
Getting more help
Your doctor
- Can give you medication, information and advice
Pain Relief Clinic
- Regional centres which specialise in helping people cope with pain.
Physiotherapist
- Can help you avoid damaging your shoulder
- Can help you deal with pain
The Stroke Association
- Produces a leaflet and advice on pain management
(020) 7490 7999
Stroke House
Whitecross Street
London EC1Y 8JJ
Pain Relief Foundation
- Produces leaflets, books and audiocassettes on managing pain
- Produces 'The Pain Relief Handbook'
- Produces a list of pain clinics
(0151) 529 5820
Clinical Sciences Centre
University Hospital Aintree
Lower Lane
Liverpool L9 7AL
>> www.painrelieffoundation.org.uk
The Pain Society
- Can put you in touch with local pain clinics
(020) 7631 8870
21 Portland Place
London W1B 1PY
Pain Concern UK
- Produces a newsletter
- Runs a helpline: (01620) 822 572 (Friday evening 6.30pm - 7.30pm)
(01620) 822 572
PO Box 13256
Haddington EH41 4YD
British Acupuncture Council
(020) 8735 0400
63 Jeddo Road
London W12 9HQ
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