MRC begins 4-year study into effects of chronic pain

A team of researchers has begun a four-year project which will look at improving care and treatment for people who live with chronic pain.

Sponsored by the Medical Research Council (MRC), a team of scientists from the University of Aberdeen will conduct research with patients, GPs, primary care teams and pain clinics.

It is an important study, the MRC claims, as chronic pain blights the lives of more than half the UK's over-65s.

Dr Pat Schofield, director for the centre for advanced studies in nursing within the Centre of Academic Primary Care, said that the aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of what it is like to age with chronic pain.

"Our findings will enable us to develop innovative ways in which older people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to live independently at home while self managing their pain," he explained.

There has been good news recently for those living with osteoarthritis pain, as NHS Direct recently launched an online service allowing patients to work out their own suitable treatment methods for their condition.

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