Managing pain - adolescent rheumatology : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Pain is different for everyone

The way in which our brain interprets pain and how we respond to it depends on many factors. Everyone reacts and manages pain differently.

Some of the things that can affect how you experience pain include:

Your feelings at the time e.g. fear or worry, happy or calm
Your previous experiences of pain
The reactions of other people around you
Your thoughts on pain
Your daily routine and activities
Your sleep routine

It’s important to try and maintain a normal lifestyle and find ways to manage pain and not let it rule your life.

Top tips

Taking regular medication can help your pain. Use an app to help you remember
Make a medication plan with your doctor or nurse for the days you may need additional pain relief

This might seem tough at times, but it will help
Seeing friends can help prevent you feeling sad and can distract you from focusing on pain
Be as independent as you can

Plan your sleep routine around your studies and home life
Try to avoid naps during the day
Create a relaxing environment, establish a routine and try to avoid caffeine and technology before bed

Being inactive and less fit, can make everyday life activities more difficult
Find the activities that you enjoy and plan them in your week
Even on the days that you don’t feel like it, walk around and do some gentle tasks
Gentle stretches can help muscles feel less tight and tense

Talk to friends and family about any worries
Talk to your doctor, nurse or therapists
Ask friends and family to join in and be active with you

Warmth can help muscles feel less tight and tense
Slow, deep breaths in a gentle rhythm can help reduce pain
Listen to your favourite music and let your mind relax
Visualise your favourite place or somewhere that makes you feel happy and safe
Try to picture yourself there and think of the sights, sounds and smells

“Keeping myself distracted has been the biggest way I have managed my pain - for me it can be as simple as going to see my friends or watching a new film. As soon as I start to feel in pain again I try and change what I'm doing and distract myself from it.” - Ellen diagnosed with JIA aged 18 months

“Having injections or taking tablets is quite a small sacrifice if they can help you walk and run. My wanting to be able to do things overtook my fear of medication.” - Clare, diagnosed with JIA age 13 years

Direct tel: 020 3447 9215
Switchboard: 020 3456 7890

University College London Hospital
Adolescent Rheumatology Clinic
Rheumatology Department
3rd Floor Central, 250 Euston Road
London NW1 2PQ

Email: uclh.rheumatology@nhs.net