Grant Batchelor supports Dr Louise Parr-Brownlie in studying chronic pain. Mr Batchelor is part of the estimated 15% of New Zealand’s population, more than 600,000 people, who suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic pain. ‘‘Chronic pain is widely misunderstood, even though so many people are affected — from the elderly to young people,’’ Mr Batchelor said. ‘‘I was surprised when I embarked on this research by how little was known about the changes in the brain caused by chronic pain,’’ Dr Parr-Brownlie said. ‘‘Chronic pain can cause people’s lives to fall apart, leaving them isolated while still trying to get well,’’ she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 11, 2017 19:18 UTC