Living with pain can be incredibly challenging, especially when it lingers long after an injury should have healed. If you're experiencing pain that has lasted for more than three months, you're not alone. This is often referred to as chronic pain, and while it can feel overwhelming, understanding it is the first step towards finding effective solutions and reclaiming your life.
Imagine your body's alarm system. Acute pain is like a fire alarm, signaling immediate danger and prompting you to act. Chronic pain, however, is different. It's when that alarm system keeps blaring even after the fire is out.
It can persist long after an initial injury or illness has healed, transforming into a condition in itself.
Unlike acute pain, which serves as a useful warning to protect you from injury and promote healing, long-term pain can deeply interfere with your daily life, physical health, and emotional well-being.
For many people, chiropractic care can provide significant relief from pain and get them back on track. However, chronic pain often requires a more comprehensive approach. Recent advances in modern pain science have led to the development of tools and strategies that anyone can use to understand and overcome persistent and chronic pain.
Together, we will design your personal plan of learning, movement, ongoing education and supported self-recovery, tailored to your preferences. Focusing on what matters most to you will reveal the best path forward and guide you towards a life that’s less limited by pain.
I am based Islington, North London, easily accessible from anywhere in or around London, making it a perfect destination for those seeking expert care.
Situated on Highbury Crescent, our location is well-connected via the London Underground and just a short distance from Highbury & Islington station.
Wherever in London you're travelling from, multiple public transport links make your journey straightforward and hassle-free.
Sometimes, long-term pain begins with a clear event, like an injury or illness. But for many, there might be no obvious cause, which can be incredibly frustrating.
Modern research sheds light on this mystery: persistent pain often involves profound changes in the way your nervous system processes signals. Your brain and spinal cord can become overly sensitive – a process sometimes called central sensitisation.
This means your body might react strongly to sensations that wouldn’t normally be painful, and discomfort may continue even in the absence of tissue damage. It's not "all in your head"; it's a real and complex change in how your body experiences sensation.
Sometimes, long-term pain begins with a clear event, like an injury or illness. But for many, there might be no obvious cause, which can be incredibly frustrating.
Chronic pain can affect almost any part of the body. You might recognise it in common forms such as:
The intensity of chronic pain can vary greatly; it might come and go, or it could remain constant. It can also bring with it other challenging symptoms such as fatigue, disturbed sleep, reduced mobility, and difficulty concentrating.
Living with chronic pain often means navigating a complex landscape. You might find it affects your ability to work, enjoy social activities, or simply carry out everyday tasks. It’s natural for emotional distress, including low mood and anxiety, to accompany these challenges.
These effects are not just physical – they profoundly influence how individuals think, feel, and move.
Because of its intricate nature, long-term pain is best approached through a holistic lens. We often talk about a biopsychosocial model, which thoughtfully considers the interconnected physical, psychological, and social factors at play. This comprehensive view offers a path to more complete healing.
This consultation prepares the groundwork for us working together. I believe in building a strong connection with my clients. This helps me understand your unique needs and how I can best support you.
As a healthcare professional, I need to gather some information about your health history to ensure I can provide safe and effective care. This initial consultation helps us both determine if I’m the best person to help you achieve your goals.
After booking your appointment, you’ll receive a short online questionnaire. This helps me get a better understanding of your current health and any relevant concerns. We’ll then have a telephone consultation or video call to discuss your needs in more detail. We can chat about your goals, expectations, and any questions you may have. There’s no time limit – we’ll take as long as needed. Get in touch today to find the accurate treatment plan for you and begin your journey to a better quality of life.
Marie is professional, warm, and well-informed, as a skilled practitioner. I have seen many McTimoney Chiropractors over twenty years and have every confidence in Marie’s gentle and effective approach. Mark Greenaway-Robbins
I had severe pain in my shoulder and the top of my arm about 6 years ago and was due to have surgery. I attended a few sessions with Marie and the pain disappeared within weeks. No surgery needed. I now attend every few months to avoid the problem returning. So far so good….. Bernadette Kane
This lady is fantastic. Hurt my back badly, could barely stand straight. She sorted it out and could always relieve the tension in my neck. Highly recommend Marie Ayres. Naomi, Fleet
Diagnosing persistent pain typically involves a deep dive into your health history, a thorough physical assessment, and sometimes scans or tests to rule out other issues.
It's important to acknowledge that in many cases, there is no visible injury, which can be incredibly frustrating for those seeking answers. Please remember: the absence of clear findings does not make your pain any less real.
A crucial first step in effective recovery is often understanding how pain works, including the fascinating role of your nervous system. Knowledge is power, and it can help demystify your experience.
Managing chronic pain usually requires a compassionate, multifaceted plan that gently addresses both your physical and emotional needs. Common approaches that offer hope and progress include:
Rather than solely focusing on eliminating pain, many strategies aim to improve function, restore confident movement, and support a better overall sense of well-being. It's about building a richer, more fulfilling life alongside or even beyond pain.
Pain that lasts beyond normal healing time is indeed a complex condition. It rarely has a single cause or a straightforward solution, which is why your individual journey is so important. For many people with chronic pain, their experience includes a unique mix of physical, emotional, and neurological elements. These overlapping factors are often referred to as the components of pain.
Some people describe their symptoms as burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing – and these descriptions of pain can vary from day to day. Others may struggle to even find words for what they feel. This variability is one of the reasons chronic pain conditions are so difficult to treat with a one-size-fits-all approach. Your experience is unique, and so should be your path to recovery.
While chronic pain can certainly follow injury or illness, it also frequently arises from common conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or persistent low back and neck issues. In other cases, it may involve visceral pain, which originates in internal organs and can sometimes be harder to localize.
Regardless of the cause, pain that becomes chronic often no longer behaves in a predictable way. The nervous system may amplify signals, creating sensations that do not reflect actual tissue damage or inflammation. This doesn't mean the pain isn't real – it means your body's alarm system is overly sensitive, and we can work to calm it.
Accurately identifying the source of pain can be a challenge, requiring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of your personal story. Diagnosis often begins with a full medical history and a physical examination, not only to assess the affected area but also to understand how movement, posture, and general health might be contributing to your experience.
Healthcare professionals may also assess for chronic pain symptoms such as:
Many people also experience concern over body feelings – a heightened awareness or anxiety around physical sensations – which can increase stress and further influence pain levels. To know how best to help you, a good healthcare professional will want to listen to all aspects of your experience.
There is no single solution for chronic pain management, but a growing body of evidence supports integrated, multi-disciplinary care. Options may include physical therapy, empowering education, compassionate behavioral therapies, and supportive lifestyle changes, all carefully tailored to you as a person.
The ultimate goal of effective treatment is not only to reduce chronic pain intensity but also to support your function and confidence in daily life. Interventions aim to provide adequate pain relief while addressing the broader impact of your condition, helping you rediscover what's possible.
Accurately identifying the source of pain can be a challenge, requiring both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of your personal story. Diagnosis often begins with a full medical history and a physical examination, not only to assess the affected area but also to understand how movement, posture, and general health might be contributing to your experience.
Healthcare professionals may also assess for chronic pain symptoms such as:
Many people also experience concern over body feelings – a heightened awareness or anxiety around physical sensations – which can increase stress and further influence pain levels. To know how best to help you, a good healthcare professional will want to listen to all aspects of your experience.
While chronic pain can affect anyone, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing long-term pain. These include past injuries, chronic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis, genetic predispositions, and emotional stressors.
Some people may develop neuropathic pain, a type of nerve-related pain that often arises without an obvious injury. This pain is caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system and can persist even after the original issue has healed. It’s a key feature of many chronic pain conditions and often requires specialised, compassionate care.
Other forms of pain—such as abdominal pain linked to gastrointestinal issues—can also become chronic and may require targeted treatment beyond general analgesics. A knowledgeable practitioner can help you navigate these complexities.
The chronic pain experience is truly more than just physical discomfort. It often includes significant emotional and cognitive challenges. People may struggle with fatigue, irritability, or generalised anxiety disorder, especially when pain interferes with sleep, relationships, or work.
Sadly, pain in adults is often underreported and misunderstood. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and frustration with traditional healthcare responses. That’s why your individual account of your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history is vital in shaping an effective, personalised care in the context of your unique story.
Pain management today is rarely limited to a single treatment. Instead, many people benefit from a comprehensive approach that draws on several disciplines. This can include medical management such as non-opioid medications or nerve blocks, which temporarily interrupt pain signals to offer relief and a window for other therapies.
Meanwhile, occupational therapy helps people gently adapt their environment and routines to better support function and comfort in daily life. This practical strategy can be key to long-term coping and maintaining independence, empowering you to live more fully.
Other forms of pain—such as abdominal pain linked to gastrointestinal issues—can also become chronic and may require targeted treatment beyond general analgesics. A knowledgeable practitioner can help you navigate these complexities.
An informed pain specialist plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of chronic pain. These dedicated professionals help identify underlying causes, coordinate care, and introduce therapies supported by strong clinical evidence.
In many cases, people may be referred to structured pain management programs, where they receive support from compassionate multidisciplinary teams that include physiotherapists, psychologists, and medical professionals. These programs are thoughtfully designed to improve function, reduce distress, and provide effective chronic pain treatments tailored to your individual needs.
Each person’s approach to pain management will differ, depending on the type of pain, underlying conditions, and their personal goals. Some focus on pain control through medications or interventions, while others may find immense value in self-management strategies or supportive therapies like activity, pacing, and mindfulness.
The journey with pain is rarely straightforward, but it's a road I’m committed to walking with you. As research progresses and understanding deepens, more options are becoming available. A combined approach—anchored in science and compassionately tailored to the whole person—is increasingly recognised as the gold standard for care. There is hope, and there are pathways to a life with less pain and more joy.
My Central London studio is in the perfect location for clients travelling from anywhere in London.