Pain Patterns - can be helpful in diagnosis and case management

Many problems reoccur in episodes over some months or years. Over time, the frequency of these episodes may increase and spur the sufferer to take action. It may be that each episode becomes more severe and lasts for an increasing amount of time. Looking at the daily pattern of symptoms may give an indication that you require treatment, stretching exercises and some individual advice concerning seating posture, pillows or your bed, etc. Some people find that their problem is worst first in the morning with painful stiffness that is eased by activities during the day, but with pain returning towards the end of the day. Others find that they have no problem first thing in the morning, but that their problem gets worse gradually all day. Some individuals find their symptoms fluctuate during the day according to the types of activities they undertake. Many people suffer a low level of background ache for much of the day, which may occasionally exhibit sharper levels of pain dependent on the activity they undertake. Few people find that their symptoms remain at a high-level for much of the day, and are even woken at night by their pain.