Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain

## Chronic Pain — More Than Physical

Chronic pain lasting over 3 months is often a result of nervous system changes, not active tissue damage.

Strong link in the Ethiopian-Israeli community to PTSD from aliyah journeys and refugee camps, intergenerational trauma, and chronic stress from discrimination, poverty, isolation.

## Effective Treatment

Multi-disciplinary approach: physiotherapy, CBT for pain (psychotherapy), low-dose antidepressants/anticonvulsants, physical exercise (reduces pain by 30%).

## Covered by Health Basket

Physiotherapy: up to 12 treatments/year. Psychology: 18 sessions/year (from 2021). Pain clinic: available at every major hospital.

📞 Ask your GP for a pain clinic referral