by dr chris barker. the techniques she has learned, along with careful use of medication, allow libby to live with her pain. but there are millions who are waiting for this kind of specialised care. one word to describe chronic pain? going to go with two — a bad employee, just constantly messing everything up. it is a real condition that thousands of us suffer with daily. but because it is invisible, we are often dismissed as drama queens and fakers, sometimes even by medical professionals. from an active 40—year—old to a tablet depending - 50—year—old, who if didn't take tablets would not pull- the sheet off her head. our survey suggested that of those living with chronic pain, 23% were on a waiting list for either pain management clinic or surgery. dr barker's clinic is one of relatively few specialist centres dealing with chronic pain. chris leads a team of physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists helping people better