National Pain Week is held each year in the last week of July to raise awareness of the impact of chronic pain and the importance of getting the right support.
Chronic or persistent pain can affect your physical health, sleep, mood, and your ability to take part in everyday activities.
Effective treatment can help reduce the impact of pain and improve your quality of life. Treatment is not just about reducing pain, it’s about helping you move more, function better, and get back to doing the things that matter to you.
Research shows that a multidisciplinary approach, with different kinds of health care providers working together with the patient at the centre, can lead to better outcomes for people living with persistent pain. If you have a Veteran Card – All Conditions (commonly known as a Gold Card), or a Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (commonly known as a White Card) with an accepted condition that can cause pain, DVA can fund access to a wide range of treatment and support services. These may include:
- GP and medical specialist care
- physiotherapy, exercise physiology and other allied health services
- psychology and mental health support, and
- in some circumstance, access to chronic pain programs for more complex and persistent pain.
Early treatment and the right support can help reduce the impact of pain and prevent it from becoming more severe over time. DVA-funded treatment focuses on improving function, supporting recovery and helping you manage pain in your daily life.
If you are living with ongoing pain, you don’t have to manage it alone. Talking to your GP is a good place to start. They can help you explore treatment options and connect you with the right services.
You may also be eligible for a Veterans’ Health Check. This is a comprehensive health assessment with your GP to help you better understand and optimise your health and wellbeing. It provides an opportunity to discuss your health including preventative care and appropriate referrals when you need it.
Learn more at the Veterans’ Health Check page.