Chronic Pain 

If you’ve been living with pain for months or even years, you’ll know how much it can affect everyday life. Chronic pain doesn’t just make movement difficult—it can impact sleep, energy, work, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Many people begin to wonder if this is simply something they have to live with.

The good news is that our understanding of chronic pain has advanced enormously over the last two decades. We now know that persistent pain is often much more complex than simply damaged muscles or worn joints. By understanding how pain works, it becomes possible to take steps towards managing it more effectively.

At Duncan Ford in Stamford, treatment focuses on understanding the whole picture—not just where you feel pain, but why your nervous system continues to produce it.

Whether you’re experiencing back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatica or another long-term condition, every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Pain is one of the body’s most important protective systems.

If you accidentally touch a hot pan, pain causes you to pull your hand away instantly. If you sprain your ankle, pain encourages you to rest while the tissues heal.

Normally, as healing takes place, pain gradually reduces.

However, when pain continues for more than three months, it is generally classified as chronic pain.

This doesn’t necessarily mean your body is still damaged.

Instead, the nervous system itself may have become increasingly sensitive.

Think of it like a house alarm.

Normally, the alarm sounds only when someone breaks in.

Over time, however, a faulty alarm may start going off whenever a leaf blows past the window.

The alarm is still working—but it’s become far too sensitive.

This is very similar to what can happen within the nervous system.

Chronic Pain Is Real

One of the biggest misconceptions is that chronic pain is “all in your head.”

It isn’t.

Pain is always produced by the brain, but that doesn’t make it imaginary.

Modern neuroscience shows that the brain constantly evaluates information coming from the body before deciding whether pain is necessary to protect you.

When the nervous system becomes overprotective, pain can continue even after tissues have healed.

This helps explain why medical scans sometimes show very little damage while pain remains severe—or why some people have significant arthritis on an X-ray yet experience very little pain.

Why Does Pain Become Chronic?

Persistent pain rarely has a single cause.

Instead, it usually develops through a combination of factors, including:

• Previous injuries
• Arthritis
• Surgery
• Persistent inflammation
• Stress
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Reduced movement
• Emotional wellbeing
• Previous painful experiences

Over time these influences can make the nervous system more efficient at producing pain.

The longer pain continues, the more easily the body’s alarm system may be triggered.

This process is known as central sensitisation.

Understanding Central Sensitisation

Central sensitisation describes a state where the brain and spinal cord become increasingly sensitive.

The volume control on pain has effectively been turned up.

Activities that previously caused no discomfort may now trigger pain.

Examples include:

• Sitting for long periods
• Walking short distances
• Climbing stairs
• Light touch
• Changes in temperature

Understanding this process can often help people make sense of symptoms that previously felt confusing or frightening.

Common Conditions I Treat

Acupuncture may be appropriate for people experiencing persistent pain associated with:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Migraine
• Tension headaches
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Long-term muscular pain

Each condition requires an individual assessment.

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years and is now the subject of extensive modern research.

Although researchers are still exploring all of its mechanisms, studies suggest acupuncture may influence several systems involved in pain regulation.

Treatment may help by:

• Encouraging the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals
• Supporting healthy nervous system regulation
• Reducing muscle tension
• Improving local blood flow
• Encouraging relaxation
• Supporting better sleep
• Helping reduce the body’s stress response

Many people also report improvements in their general wellbeing, energy and ability to cope with everyday activities.

My Approach to Chronic Pain

Every person experiences pain differently.

Rather than offering the same treatment to everyone, I take time to understand:

• Your symptoms
• Your medical history
• Sleep quality
• Stress levels
• Energy
• Previous treatments
• Lifestyle
• Movement patterns

Using the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine alongside modern pain science, treatment is designed specifically for you.

The aim is not simply to reduce pain during the appointment, but to support long-term improvements in how your body functions.

What Happens During Your First Appointment?

Your initial consultation lasts around one hour.

During your appointment we will:

 Discuss your pain in detail

 Review your medical history

 Assess movement where appropriate

 Explain what may be contributing to your symptoms

 Develop a personalised treatment plan

 Begin treatment if appropriate

There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions, and many patients say they leave with a much better understanding of their condition.

Why Choose Duncan Ford?

Patients choose my clinic because they are looking for more than symptom relief.

They want someone who will listen carefully, explain things clearly and take time to understand their individual circumstances.

My practice combines:

• Classical Chinese Medicine
• Evidence-informed acupuncture
• Modern pain science
• Individualised treatment plans
• A calm and welcoming clinic environment

No two patients are the same, and neither are their treatment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles used are extremely fine. Most people feel very little discomfort and many find treatment deeply relaxing.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your symptoms, how long you’ve had them and your response to treatment. Recommendations are discussed after your assessment.

Can acupuncture help if I’ve had pain for years?

Many patients seek treatment after living with pain for several years. Although everyone’s experience is different, long-standing pain does not automatically mean improvement is impossible.

Can I continue taking my medication?

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside conventional medical care. Continue taking prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by your GP or specialist.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, personalised approach to managing persistent pain, I’d be pleased to help.

Book your initial consultation today and start your journey towards moving with greater comfort and confidence.

Internal Links 

• Acupuncture for Arthritis
• Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
• Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain
• Acupuncture for Sciatica
• Acupuncture for Neck Pain
• Understanding Central Sensitisation
• Why Does Pain Become Chronic?
• The Role of the Nervous System in Chronic Pain