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Pain: The Problem with Secondary Gain

Secondary gain is a psychoanalytic term which refers to perceived advantages or ‘gains’ patients derive from their symptoms, such as sympathy, attention, avoiding responsibilities etc. Unfortunately, this concept has been turned against chronic pain sufferers with the result that they are often left feeling like failures at best and criminals at worst. May et al (1999) has observed that the disparity between expressed symptoms, pathological signs and perceived disability in CLBP has led to the moral character of the suffer forming a constant subtext to medical discourse about the condition. For example, Nicholas (1996) writes; “a person seeking help for chronic pain could be said to be inactive with secondary physical deconditioning, to hold unhelpful beliefs, to be overly passive or reliant on others for resolution of his/her problems..” Wow. In a recent study where women chronic pain sufferers were found to have greater levels of disability than men, it was speculated that perhaps th...
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Ten Tips For Communicating With A Person Suffering From Chronic Pain

  People with   chronic pain   communicate differently to well people. Tired, irritable and withdrawn, they are often reluctant or unable to talk about their feelings. Or they may talk in a kind of ‘code' and tell you they feel fine when they are really hurting. Sometimes they just don't have the words to describe how they feel. These factors can create frustration and often lead to a breakdown in communication between the pain sufferer those whose mission it is to try and understand them.. The following ‘communication tips' are designed to help you recognize and overcome the special obstacles that may occur when communicating with persons suffering from chronic pain or illness. 1. Listen! To really listen is one of the most helpful things you can do for a person in pain. Listening also involves more than just hearing what is being said. A good listener listens with their heart as well as their ears. They are able to read between the lines and interpret unspoken non-verba...
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Self Evaluation: A Simple Guide to Understanding Yourself Better

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We all want to grow, improve, and live happier lives—but how often do we stop to truly understand ourselves? Self evaluation is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. It helps you see where you stand, what you’re doing well, and where you can improve. In this blog, we’ll explore what self evaluation means, why it matters, and how you can practice it every day to build confidence, clarity, and purpose. What Is Self Evaluation? Self evaluation means taking time to reflect on your thoughts, actions, and experiences to understand yourself better. It’s like holding up a mirror—not to judge yourself harshly, but to learn more about who you are and how you can grow. It’s about asking questions such as: What am I proud of? What challenges am I facing right now? What habits or thoughts are holding me back? How can I do better next time? When done honestly and kindly, self evaluation helps you build awareness and make positive changes in your life. Why Self Eva...
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Pain Management Webinar: Learn Strategies to Take Control of Your Health

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Chronic pain is a reality that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether caused by injury, medical conditions, or stress, pain can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. While there are many resources available to manage pain, one effective and increasingly popular option is attending a pain management webinar . Webinars provide accessible, expert-led education that you can join from the comfort of your own home. They are designed to empower participants with knowledge, tools, and practical strategies to better understand and cope with pain. If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your wellbeing, a pain management webinar might be exactly what you need. Why Attend a Pain Management Webinar? The beauty of webinars lies in their convenience and flexibility. You no longer need to travel to clinics or seminars to gain valuable insights. With just an internet connection, you can access expert knowledge, evidence-based approaches, and interac...
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Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Chronic Pain

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When most people think about trauma, they imagine emotional scars, flashbacks, or anxiety. But trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it can also show up in the body. One of the most common ways this happens is through chronic pain . Many people who have lived through difficult or traumatic experiences find themselves struggling with unexplained aches, tension, or long-term pain that doesn’t always have a clear medical cause. This is because the body and mind are deeply connected. How Trauma Impacts the Body When we go through a traumatic event, our nervous system goes into survival mode. The body releases stress hormones, muscles tighten, and the brain stays alert for danger. While this response is natural in the short term, ongoing trauma or unresolved stress can “rewire” the body to stay in a state of tension. Over time, this constant strain can contribute to conditions such as: Back and neck pain Migraines or tension headaches Stomach and digestive issues Fibromyalgia ...
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