http://www.brianbarr.co.uk Brian Barr Solicitors are the leading lawyers for chronic pain and critical illness insurance claims in England and Wales Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:00:00 GMT en http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_massage-may-ease-chronic-back-pain.html A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows massage therapy may help sufferers from chronic back pain Thu, 07 July 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_massage-may-ease-chronic-back-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_fibromyalgia-chronic-pain-sufferers-benefit-from-social-media.html When you suffer from chronic pain, it can be difficult to find people who really understand what you are going through, and who can offer you support and advice.  Groups like the Fibromyalgia Association offer invaluable benefits, for which there is no substitute. But in recent years, many thousands have also found help through the internet – and specifically, through what is known as “social media”, that is, sites like Facebook and Twitter that help you connect to others. Fri, 24 June 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_fibromyalgia-chronic-pain-sufferers-benefit-from-social-media.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_ankylosing-spondylitis-drug-approved.html A drug used to treat ankylosing spondylitis has been provisionally approved for use in Britain. Mon, 19 May 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_ankylosing-spondylitis-drug-approved.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_dutch-survey-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html A new survey of Dutch doctors and their patients suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome affects only about 1 in 900 teenagers - but takes a heavy toll. Mon, 16 May 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_dutch-survey-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_ME-awareness-month.html A wide range of activities are taking place for International ME Awareness month, which takes place this year in May. Thu, 12 May 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_ME-awareness-month.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_chronic-fatigue-ethnic-backgrounds.html People from ethnic backgrounds are at higher risk of contracting chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than the general population, new research shows. Mon, 21 Apr 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_chronic-fatigue-ethnic-backgrounds.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_seventeen-year-old-in-fundraising-bid-for-crps.html 17-year old Kiera Ward is raising money in a bid to find a cure for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a condition that leaves her in near-constant agony. Mon, 12 Apr 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_seventeen-year-old-in-fundraising-bid-for-crps.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_meditation-better-pain-killer-than-morphine.html Meditation may be a better pain killer than morphine. If you are in significant physical pain, even a short period of meditation will help, a new study suggests. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_meditation-better-pain-killer-than-morphine.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_eu-turns-down-fibromyalgia-drug.html European regulators have turned down Xyrem as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_eu-turns-down-fibromyalgia-drug.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_car-crash-may-hasten-chronic-pain.html People are more likely to develop chronic pain following a car crash injury compared to other physically traumatic events, a new study suggests. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_car-crash-may-hasten-chronic-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_win-for-fm-accident-victim.html Sally Chapman developed Fibromyalgia after a road accident. She asked Brian Barr to take over her case after her Solicitor advised her to accept £77,000. We won a settlement of £595,000 for her. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_win-for-fm-accident-victim.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_twitter-facebook-lawyers.html These days, anybody who is anybody has a Twitter account or is a member of Facebook, Bebo or My Space. Social network sites are very much in fashion and for many of you who are stuck at home more than you would like, they are a real boon. You can keep in contact with fellow sufferers and other members of the planet easily and they are a great fun, instant method of communication. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_twitter-facebook-lawyers.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_botox-a-found-innefective-for-myofascial-pains.html A recent trial exploring the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A to treat cervical myofascial pain syndrome has shown that the drug did not perform well in the long-term among the patients treated. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_botox-a-found-innefective-for-myofascial-pains.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_michael-crawford-fights-chronic-fatique-syndrome.html Michael Crawford, star of The Phantom Of The Opera and The Woman In White, is back on stage, seven years after fearing that chronic fatigue had ended his career. The Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em star, 69, picked up the condition while appearing in Woman in White back in 2004. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_michael-crawford-fights-chronic-fatique-syndrome.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_study-good-news-for-me-sufferers.html A new study has shown that a form of massage called myofascial release can improve pain and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_study-good-news-for-me-sufferers.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_myofascial-release-can-reduce-pain-in-fibromyalgia-patients.html A new study has shown that a form of massage called myofascial release can improve pain and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_myofascial-release-can-reduce-pain-in-fibromyalgia-patients.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_broken-promises-claim-over-dorset-clinics.html Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Primary Care Trust have been accused of 'broken promises' over their pain clinic service. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_broken-promises-claim-over-dorset-clinics.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_keeping-an-electronic-record-may-boost-fibromyalgia-care.html Daily electronic records of symptoms can help fibromyalgia patients and their doctors better understand the condition, a new study has shown. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_keeping-an-electronic-record-may-boost-fibromyalgia-care.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_scots-back-pain-patients-sent-to-england-for-treatment.html The NHS in Scotland spent more than £200,000 sending patients with chronic back pain for treatment in England, it has emerged. Mon, 07 Feb 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_scots-back-pain-patients-sent-to-england-for-treatment.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_hospital-hydrotherapy-pools-face-closure.html Grimsby residents have less than a month to secure the future of hydrotherapy pools at both the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and at Scunthorpe General Hospital, operated by North Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_hospital-hydrotherapy-pools-face-closure.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_meditation-or-yoga-may-not-help-if-you-suffer-from-fibromyalgia.html According to a recent study, published in the journal Pain, looked at the effects of so-called "mindfulness-based stress reduction" - a technique combining mindfulness meditation and gentle yoga postures, delivered in the form of an eight-week programme of classes. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_meditation-or-yoga-may-not-help-if-you-suffer-from-fibromyalgia.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_dark-chocolate-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html Dark chocolate may ease the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to new research. Dark chocolate is rich in chemicals known to increase signals carried around the brain but this is thought to be the first time that it has been found to help symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_dark-chocolate-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_zen-medidation-can-help-control-pain.html People who engage in Zen meditation do feel pain, but they don't think about it as much according to new research. The latest findings could affect the way those suffering from conditions such as arthritis and back pain are treated. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_zen-medidation-can-help-control-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_genetic-link-found-between-spinal-arthritis-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease.html Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have found that a form of spinal arthritis is genetically linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a common form of arthritis involving chronic inflammation particularly of the spinal and pelvic joints, which causes pain, stiffness, and often disability. AS patients appear to be highly susceptible to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease. Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_genetic-link-found-between-spinal-arthritis-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_american-red-cross-bars-blood-donations.html The American Red Cross will no longer accept blood from people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome as the U.S. government works to determine if the disorder is tied to a transmissible virus known as XMRV. Thu, 23 Dec 2010 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_american-red-cross-bars-blood-donations.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_worlds-leading-researchers-tackle-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html Scientists have long suspected that genetic factors can predispose certain people to experience chronic pain in intensities others don't. But now research has backed this up by identifying the specific genetic mark-up scientists think may be responsible.Some of the world's leading researchers in neuroscience and immunology have gathered on the Gold Coast for an international science symposium on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Wed, 22 Dec 2010 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_worlds-leading-researchers-tackle-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_restless-leg-syndrome-linked-to-fibromyalgia.html Restless leg syndrome is far more common in people with fibromyalgia than those without, and may explain why people with fibromyalgia often report difficulty sleeping, according to recent research. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_restless-leg-syndrome-linked-to-fibromyalgia.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_restless-leg-syndrome-linked-to-fibromyalgia.html Restless leg syndrome is far more common in people with fibromyalgia than those without, and may explain why people with fibromyalgia often report difficulty sleeping, according to recent research. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_restless-leg-syndrome-linked-to-fibromyalgia.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_me-sufferers-stage-protest.html ME sufferers staged a protest outside the Department of Health in Whitehall on the first day that their blood was banned from being used in blood transfusions. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_me-sufferers-stage-protest.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_doctor-says-me-can-be-cured.html An Irish doctor has come up with a successful treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) with an eye to eventually finding a cure for the condition that affects over 250,000 patients in the UK. Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_doctor-says-me-can-be-cured.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_doctors-over-prescribing-drugs-for-chronic-neck-pain.html Patients with chronic neck pain are relying too much on unproven therapies and under-using treatments for which there is evidence, a telephone survey found. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 06:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_doctors-over-prescribing-drugs-for-chronic-neck-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_celebrities-suffer-from-chronic-pain.html It.s not an easy life being a celebrity. Not only do they have impossibly busy schedules but they also have to deal with constant tabloid scrutiny. However, for many stars, chronic pain can present an additional burden. And like the rest of us, even celebrities don't always know when it's time to get treatment for serious pain. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_celebrities-suffer-from-chronic-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_women-suffer-more-from-chronic-pain.html No one appears to know why, but the vast majority of chronic pain patients are women. Women suffer disproportionately from irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, osteoarthritis and many other conditions. Women also report more acute pain than men after the same common surgeries. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:04:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_women-suffer-more-from-chronic-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_people-with-me-banned-from-giving-blood.html Blood transfusion services in the UK have banned people who have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from giving blood. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the body which oversees donations, says the ban protects people with ME from possible relapses after they have given blood. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:40:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_people-with-me-banned-from-giving-blood.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_virus-linked-to-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue.html Researchers at the Whittemore Peterson Institute in United States have discovered an infectious virus in a significant percentage of people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:40:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_virus-linked-to-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_survey-invisible-illness.html Patients who suffer from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines and other pain disorders can now speak out in an anonymous survey about how the medical community treats them. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:40:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_survey-invisible-illness.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_research-practicing-tai-chi-can-ease-fibromyalgia-pain.html According to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine a significant number of patients with Fibromyalgia responded well to Tai Chi, experiencing alleviation of joint pains and other symptoms. Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_research-practicing-tai-chi-can-ease-fibromyalgia-pain.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_out-of-work-due-to-fibromyalgia.html I recently received a letter from an Oncology Engineer who was off as a result of a number of illnesses. My answer to him elaborates on the sort of support you can expect from your employe when suffering from critical illness Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_out-of-work-due-to-fibromyalgia.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me.html Patients living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME and previously referred to the Somerset CFS/ME Service are being invited to attend an NHS conference in Yeovil. This annual event, taking place on September 17th, brings together patients as well as their carers. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/could-a-lawsuit-be-good-for-your-health.html According to new research, published in the September issue of the journal Pain, people with chronic back pain (CBP) who have experienced "some" hardship in their lives tend to experience less physical disability and spend less time in doctors' surgeries than those who experienced no hardship or a lot of hardship. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/could-a-lawsuit-be-good-for-your-health.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_security-guard-injured-at-work-wins-damages.html A security guard injured in the course of his work won almost £300,000 in damages as a result of his lawyers. pioneering use of surveillance video. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_security-guard-injured-at-work-wins-damages.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/patients-with-ankylosing-spondylitis-need-earlier-diagnosis.html Patients with an inflammatory spine condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis need earlier diagnosis and better access to care, experts have told MPs. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/patients-with-ankylosing-spondylitis-need-earlier-diagnosis.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_Critical-Illness-payout-brian-barr.html Brian Barr Solicitors have managed to achieve a full £357,000 payout under a Critical Illness policy for Mr GR, a fibromyalgia sufferer. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_Critical-Illness-payout-brian-barr.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_payout-for-fibromyalgia-sufferer.html This is a fascinating case of a man who recovered £45,000 in a wholly unexpected way. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_payout-for-fibromyalgia-sufferer.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_payout-for-fibromyalgia-sufferer-under-insurance-policy.html Mrs JG, a fibromyalgia sufferer, has managed to achieve a full payout under the Critical Illness section of her Life Insurance Policy. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_payout-for-fibromyalgia-sufferer-under-insurance-policy.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_brian-barr-obtain-for-fibromyalgia-claimant-after-court-battle.html Former postal worker Louise Balsom from Daventry has been awarded £419,000 by a Judge following a "minor traffic accident" after a lengthy legal battle. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_brian-barr-obtain-for-fibromyalgia-claimant-after-court-battle.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_payout-for-FM-sufferer-under-critical-illness-policy.html 44 year old LB from Basingstoke, Hampshire had been a nursery nurse for 22 years until she developed Fibromyalgia. This stopped her working in January 2005. She suffered a constellation of nasty symptoms which made it impossible for her to pursue her demanding employment. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_payout-for-FM-sufferer-under-critical-illness-policy.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_brian-barr-win-insurance-claim.html Mrs GL of Norwich was injured in lifting incidents at work in June and September 2004. She suffered a back injury which became chronic and she developed fibromyalgia. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_brian-barr-win-insurance-claim.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_swansea-teacher-succeeds-in-unfair-dismissal-claim.html A Swansea mathematics teacher has won his case for unfair dismissal against after the Cardiff Employment Tribunal found that he had been wrongfully dismissed from his job. Mr A, aged 53, was a senior teacher who had given 31 years loyal and blameless service before he was dismissed for allegedly kicking and punching his daughter during an altercation in December 2005 and abusing her over the years. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_swansea-teacher-succeeds-in-unfair-dismissal-claim.html http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_important-results-for-cancer-sufferer.html This Manchester client has metastatic colorectal cancer. His consultant oncologist said that his best chance of success would be to take a combination of two drugs. One of the drugs was not available under the NHS. This resulted in our client having to fund the entire cost of his treatment on a private basis (including the drug that the NHS did recognise!). The cost of the treatment was extremely expensive. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:50:00 GMT http://www.brianbarr.co.uk/news_important-results-for-cancer-sufferer.html