Help With Chronic Pain

By Kathi Whitten, LCSW

No. VA Psychotherapy Associates

. http://www.kathiwhitten.com/

More Pain Management & Rehabilitation Articles

Help With Chronic Pain

Millions of people live with chronic pain (from cancer, headaches, back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other pain disorders). Pain that occurs with a short and predictable end (acute pain) is different from conditions that leave people in constant or intermittent pain over long periods of time.

With chronic pain, you must first have a good diagnosis, a medical team that you trust, then educate yourself as much as possible about your condition, and understand your treatment plan. There are many ways to help pain medically, such as pain medications, physical therapy, and sometimes, surgical procedures.

Pain, however, is worsened by emotional stress and body tension. When dealing with long-lasting pain, it's helpful to look to lifestyle changes to augment medical treatment. People with pain conditions frequently experience depression and anxiety, and become discouraged about their future. Ensuring a well-balanced diet, adequate sleep, and exercise at whatever level you are able to manage, are essential to handling pain.

Pain may present a challenge in interpersonal relationships. People want to help, but often don't always know how. Sometimes pain sufferers hesitate to ask for help, fearing they'll ask too much. Some who live with chronic pain feel that others around them forget the pain is genuine and ongoing and become impatient when they are doing the best they can. Resentment and tension can lead to stress, which exacerbates pain and make its management difficult.

It's important to feel that you're comfortable with the treatment plan/medical team, and that you're following recommendations to the best of your ability. Sometimes patients don't agree with the treatment advised, lack motivation to stick with it, or don't know how to approach doctors with their questions and own ideas. This is a significant concern if the best possible pain management is going to occur.

Talk therapy, especially cognitive therapy, can help with your adjustment to pain. Talk therapy is especially helpful when it's coupled with one or more different techniques including relaxation, meditation, imagery, or stress reduction techniques. Learning to live a full life that doesn't always focus on pain is optimal for good coping. There are times when family therapy can also be helpful so that everybody works together to achieve positive relationships with healthy support.