York chronic pain management service

Pain is "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage".

At the York pain service, we are a team of professionals who specialise in helping patients manage their pain. Our team is led by Dr Philippa Armstrong, consultant anaesthetist and pain physician. The service works with people with both acute pain and people with chronic or persistent pain. This can be as an inpatient (acute pain), the chronic pain service is outpatient based.

What we do

Chronic pain service

Many patients have tried a range of medications and physical interventions prior to coming to our service. Evidence has shown this works well in some areas but a different approach has been shown to be more beneficial in the management of chronic pain.

Our approach for all chronic pain conditions is using the biopsychosocial model, we are aware that that the experience of pain involves complex interactions with every part of life.

Everyone experiences pain in an individual way, how you experience the pain affects how you deal with it and the impact it can have on you.

What we offer

We provide individual assessments and tailor what we offer, according to your particular needs.

This could involve:

Individual work with one or more members of the team including:
Group work
- Pain management group programmes offer a “self-management” approach. They are not another attempt to “cure” pain but an opportunity to gain information and skills to challenge the way pain is controlled. This can enable you to make choices about the way you live despite the pain.
  - 4 session programme.
  - 12 session programme.
  - Physio led gym class
Medication advice and review
TENS provision and advice
Acute back pain management services
Epidural and nerve root block (acute pain)
Diagnostic nerve blocks and radiofrequency denervation (depending on current CCG funding and clinical need)
Spinal cord stimulation/dorsal root ganglion stimulation
Onward referral for further investigations if clinical need is present
You may speak to our admin team

What to expect when you come to see us

You will usually be referred to the team by your GP and will be sent an assessment appointment to meet with either a consultant or another member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Prior to this appointment you will be asked to complete an in-depth questionnaire to form the basis of the conversation about how the pain affects you and your life. Please also bring a list of your current medications including dosages.

This initial appointment will last approximately 40 minutes with the aim of formulating a plan for managing your pain.

After your initial appointment further appointments will be arranged, as appropriate.

If you are unable to attend any appointments, please telephone the Contact Centre on (01904) 726400. Due to the demand on our service, please contact us at least 48 hours before your appointment so that we can re-allocate your slot.

There may also be medical or other students present in any of our clinics. This is a valuable part of their training. If you would prefer them to leave during your consultation please let us know on the day.

How to find us

To get to the pain clinic, come into the hospital at the main entrance. Turn to your left once you get inside, and the Outpatient Reception Desk will be in front of you. Please tell the receptionist that you have arrived.

Our office is based on the first floor of the outpatient department.