People from all walks of life have discovered the life-changing benefits of self-managing pain effectively

Great thanks l have learnt a lot and understand more about mind over matter and pain.

Acceptance is the way forward to continue to live your life to its fullest whilst managing your pain.

As a nurse I can see how this varied content will help many. Sadly I personally have only found a few bits useful. The reason being it is not personalised to my needs. My referral to this clinic followed right sided flank pain which I have experienced for years; with it becoming progressively worse. I assume I received the 'back pain' course. The details on relationship between brain and pain was a useful re-cap. The stretching was generally helpful (more so for my upper and lower back pain rather than my flank pain). Some exercises were not possible due to further recent shoulder surgery. Many sessions really not helpful. I cannot pace myself when pain starts immediately. I still need to take my children to school, exercise, work, run a house etc. The sessions on pain did not help as the pain wakes me. The sessions were contradicting my physio (for other issues) and my consultant for other issues. My referral was for R sided flank neck pain, upper and lower back pain, knee pain, hand pain, wrist pain, knee pain, ankle pain. Undergone my 5th shoulder surgery this year. I do not take pain relief through fear of side effects and addiction. I still keep active through pain (going to the gym and walking). I felt very confused on what I should do and what I shouldn't . I do have medical insight but still felt conflicted. This course, as I said would greatly benefit many of my patients, but sadly I have felt little impact, and just more confusion. The pain in my hands and shoulder writing this is now becoming quite unbearable so I will now stop. Great idea for some; just not suitable for all.

I have found this on-line course quite helpful but I must say that going to the pain clinic with all the other people would have been better. I have found that giving time to the on-line course has been more of a problem then going to a clinic but I am glad I did do it as it was better then not having any help at all so I would say to others starting this course keep going it is worth it

"I was surprised to be offered this programme, but grateful. The very positive message is that following the advice given, I can be active in improving and dealing with my condition and therefore continue to enjoy a good quality of life."

I found the course quite helpful with managing my chronic back pain. I know the pain will always be there however I have more tools to help manage it rather then reaching for medication cabinet. The mindfulness was the most helpful tool to help me control and understand the mechanics of pain.

I found the course very helpful in helping me see the links between stress and pain and in giving me tools to help me relax to help the pain. I also found it useful to hear that having pain isn’t a sign of problems and therefore being able to deal with it better as I didn’t worry about the pain. I already did stretches and walked a fair amount but I found it helpful to start pacing myself on a bad day and accepting that some days I could do less.

It has taught me that instead of trying to chase doctors for a cure for my back problem I must accept that I will have to live with the pain forever and adjust my way of thinking about the pain

"The course seemed daunting at the start with so many steps, but by persevering and with the variety of activities it seemed flow easily towards the end. I only wish that something like this had been available 30 years ago when my back problems started!"

The course is very informative and non-judgemental and does put forward many useful suggestions of which many people may not be aware. It makes one look inwards towards oneself and habits they develop and shows ways to redirect them.

It was definitely worthwhile doing this course. My pain issues are complex due to having both chronic and also acute pain which has no prior warning. None the less, the course was beneficial for tying together techniques such as stretching, relaxing and adjusting breathing through various stages of movement. I'll be referring back to the course in future to adjust and increase activities and to integrate it more fully in everyday activities as my condition allows.

I was not convinced it was going to help but thought well it cannot hurt so just give it a go. I am so glad i did it has made me really look at what is important and to not stress about things i cannot change. My pain management was not controlled at all when i first started and i still have days when it is horrendous and i need help to shower but i have learnt to value the days when i can do the simple things like walk my grandchildren to the shop and buy them a treat . I have learnt to keep those wins in my mind to stop the more disruptive negative thoughts that can come with constant pain . The steps make you rethink how you do everyday things without judgement it gives you encouragement to keep going even on the difficult days by giving you the tools to keep going . I would highly recommend making full use of the library. good luck from a sceptic who has been totally converted. I got to the stage were i looked forward to the next step .

I really found the course so helpful and the support from the team has been brilliant. I feel much more confident about managing my pain and helping myself more with my daily routines

The course was helpful in some cases but not in others. I already knew most of the stuff from years of practice. My underlying mental health issues made things very difficult to engage with. The best parts of the course were the relaxation videos. The one in the garden lying on the hammock was my favourite and extremely helpful. The one on the beach was very helpful too. I have had a major back pain setback for nearly a week now.

Found course ok but was me never being able to move about or exercise meant could hardly do anything. Sorry course was good.

Having been very skeptical about the course, I have found it interesting and in many ways useful. It will probably help anyone suffering from ongoing pain where a diagnosis has not been identified or the need for a form of rehab after an operation. But I was diagnosed with a damaged facet joint which after numerous injections and Ryzolysis left me struggling for pain relief. This left me with 2 options Pain Management or an Operation. Although I have another 2 weeks of pain management to go feel my medication is dealing with the majority of the pain and any other management is a top up. But as a keen golfer know that I could not play, let alone walk the course at a slow and stop start pace, its just too painful

Unfortunately I didn't find a lot of the course helpful. I have a lot of various pain issues, that are all active at the same time, not just with my back such as joint dislocation, so the techniques I learnt don't work for me, but the meditation is very good and I'm very pleased I tried.

Excellent place for knowledge if you are new to managing pain, for me I knew almost everything from previous pain management course so nothing new gained.

I believe the course may be suitable for people with general back pain, but I have Cerebral Palsy and club feet, my conditions have caused me to move differently for 50+ years. I have lowered my dose of Morphine, from 30mg twice daily to 10mg twice daily, but I have had to start taking Baclofen for the Spasms in my legs and back. I don't believe this course is suitable for people with disabilities, but I did find the relaxation techniques good, but that was before the spasms became unbearable.

No new ideas, but plenty of information about how to manage pain, particularly with the meditation parts.

I enjoyed taking part on the Pain Management course and found some of the areas covered of real benefit. It was ideal being able to log on as and when I wanted, which is perfect if you're feeling too ill at any time.

You have to be positive even on bad days.