Chronic Pain: Care Instructions

Overview

Chronic pain is pain that lasts a long time (months or even years) and may or may not have a clear cause. It is different from acute pain, which starts quickly and lasts for a short time. Chronic pain:

• Lasts over time but may vary from day to day.
• May not go away despite efforts to relieve it.
• May disrupt your sleep and lead to fatigue.
• May cause depression or anxiety.
• Can disrupt your work, hobbies, home life, and relationships.

Even if there is no clear cause, chronic pain is a very real condition. There are a few different types of chronic pain. These include pain from tissue damage, pain from nerve problems, and pain from changes in the way the nerves and brain handle physical sensations. You can have more than one type of pain at the same time.

Treatment can help manage chronic pain. There are many treatments you can try, including physical treatments, behavioral health treatments, and medicines. Learning how to reduce stress and be more aware of your thought patterns can also help.

Taking an active role in your treatment will help you better manage your pain. If what you're doing to manage your pain isn't working, tell your doctor. You may have to try several things before you find what works best for you.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Pace yourself. Break up large jobs into smaller tasks. Save harder tasks for days when you have less pain, or go back and forth between hard tasks and easier ones. Take rest breaks.
• Relax, and reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help.
• Keep moving. Gentle, daily exercise can help reduce pain over the long run. Try low- or no-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and stationary biking. Do stretches to stay flexible.
• Try heat, cold packs, and massage.
• Get enough sleep. Chronic pain can make you tired and drain your energy. Talk with your doctor if you have trouble sleeping because of pain.
• Be aware of your thought patterns. Your thoughts can affect your pain level. Do things that you enjoy to distract yourself when you have pain instead of focusing on the pain. See a movie, read a book, listen to music, or spend time with a friend.
• If you think you are depressed, talk to your doctor about treatment.
• Keep a daily pain journal. Record how your moods, thoughts, sleep patterns, activities, and medicine affect your pain. You may find that your pain is worse during or after certain activities or when you are feeling a certain emotion. Having a record of your pain can help you and your doctor find the best ways to treat your pain.
• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You cannot sleep because of pain.
• You are very worried or anxious about your pain.
• You feel sad, or you do not enjoy things like you once did. You may be depressed, which is common in people with chronic pain. Depression can be treated.
• You have any concerns about your medicines.