Learning About Managing Chronic Pain

What is a plan for pain management?

A pain management plan lists ways to help you manage your pain. It includes the treatments your doctor suggests. It can also include your goals for treatment, such as getting better sleep or reducing stress. Together, you and your doctor can make a plan that is safe and that works for you.

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 way to manage your pain. You may take prescription or over-the-counter medicines. 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 your plan is to manage your pain well enough so that you can do the things you want to do.

If your pain isn't managed well enough, talk with your doctor. There are a lot of things you can try. As you find the treatments that are the most helpful, you and your doctor can adjust your plan.

What medicines are used?

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help with your pain. If you are not 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-opioid pain medicines. These are things like acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil.
• 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.
• Opioids. These include morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. For most people, these have more risks than other medicines.

Taking medicine is just one way to manage pain. There are many other things you can do. For example, you could try to reduce your stress or try to change how you think about pain.

How can you take medicine safely?

There are some things you can do to be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines and supplements you take.

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

If you are taking an opioid pain reliever, ask your doctor how to store it safely. And find out how to dispose of any that is left over. Ask your doctor about a naloxone rescue kit. It can help you—and even save your life—if you take too much of an opioid. If you stop taking opioids and want to start again, talk to your doctor. It can be dangerous to start again at the same dose.

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.
• 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 journal. 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 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 what is around you.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of counseling helps you change your thought patterns.
• Yoga. Stretching and exercises can reduce stress and make your body more flexible.

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