Learning About Managing Chronic Pain

What is a plan for pain management?

A pain management plan helps you find ways to control pain with side effects you can live with. Some diseases and injuries can cause pain that lasts a long time. Constant pain can make you depressed. It can cause stress and make it hard for you to eat and sleep. But you don't need to live with uncontrolled pain.

How can you plan for managing your pain?

You and your doctor will work to make your plan. Your plan can include more than one type of pain control. You may take prescription or over-the-counter drugs. You can also use physical treatments, like massage and acupuncture. Other things can help too, such as meditation or a type of counseling to change how you think about your pain.

It's important to let your doctor know how your pain is affecting your life. The goal of a pain management plan isn't to totally get rid of pain. Instead, the goal is to control the pain enough so that daily activities are easier.

If your pain isn't controlled well enough, talk with your doctor. You may need to make a new plan. Or your doctor may refer you to a specialist.

What medicines are used?

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help with your pain. If you aren't taking a prescription medicine, you may be able to take an over-the-counter one. Here are the main types of medicine for chronic pain.

• Non-opioids. These are things like acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil.
• Opioids. Morphine, codeine, and oxycodone are some examples.
• Other medicines. Antidepressants and anti-seizure medicines may be used. These medicines seem to change the way your brain senses pain. Another option may be a nerve block injection.

Taking medicine is just one way to manage pain. There are many things you can do that don't involve medicine, like reducing your stress level and changing how you think.

How can you take medicine safely?

Medicines can help you get better. But they can also be dangerous, especially if you don't take them the right way. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

If the medicine you take causes side effects such as constipation or nausea, you may need to take other medicines for those problems. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you have.

If you were prescribed an opioid pain reliever, your care team will give you information on how to use it safely. You will also get directions for how to safely store the medicine and how to get rid of any that's left over. Follow these instructions carefully.

What physical treatments can help?

Physical treatments can be an important part of managing chronic pain. You may find that combining more than one treatment helps the most.

These treatments can include:

• Heat or cold. This can help arthritis, sore muscles, and other aches.
• Hydrotherapy. It uses flowing water to relax muscles.
• Massage. Massage involves rubbing the soft tissues of the body. It eases tension and pain.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This treatment uses a gentle electric current applied to the skin for pain relief.
• Acupuncture. This is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It uses very thin needles inserted into certain points of the body.
• Physical therapy. This treatment uses stretches and exercises to reduce pain and help you move better.

If you get physical therapy, make sure to do any home exercises or stretching your therapist has prescribed. Stay as active as you can. Try to get some physical activity every day.

What other things can help?

You can manage chronic pain by using things other than medicines or physical treatments. For example, you can keep track of your pain in a pain diary. It can help you understand how the things you do affect your pain.

Reducing stress and tension can reduce pain. And being more aware of your thought patterns can be helpful. In some cases, shifting how you think about pain can affect how you feel.

Here are some options to think about:

• Breathing exercises and meditation. These techniques can help you focus your attention, relax, and get rid of tension.
• Guided imagery. This is a series of thoughts and images that can focus your attention away from your pain.
• Hypnosis. It's a state of focused concentration that makes you less aware of your surroundings.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of counseling helps you change your thought patterns.
• Yoga. Stretching and exercises can reduce stress and improve flexibility.

If what you're doing to control your pain isn't working, or if you're feeling depressed, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you change your pain management plan and find resources for emotional support.