pain. Weight management, proper sleep, physical therapy and exercise all have been shown to help reduce pain. Other strategies such as tai chi, guided imagery, acupuncture, meditation, art therapy and massage also can be helpful.

Often, it takes a combination of these techniques plus behavior change and a good relationship with your health-care team to properly manage pain. For example, exercise and physical therapy are good for musculoskeletal pain from falls, sprains or injuries to muscle tissue.

“People have a fear of pain, so they think that they shouldn’t exercise or be active, even though movement can actually help. That’s why it’s good to have an evaluation with a physical therapist or occupational therapist so that people can learn how to exercise safely and within their limits,” says Cowan, who is also a chronic pain survivor.

Coping skills are also useful for managing the emotional side of pain; however, patients often need guidance from professionals such as psychotherapists and psychiatrists on how to incorporate strategies like goal setting and stress management into their lives.

Pain affects families too

Family members of chronic pain patients
also need support. They can feel angry and
fearful because their lives are affected by their
loved one’s pain. It’s important that family
members take care of themselves mentally,
physically and emotionally. Family members
and friends can support the chronic pain
patient by believing a loved one’s pain,
respecting a loved one’s limits and validating
a loved one’s struggles.