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.
We can’t choose to avoid chronic pain,
however, there are many ways to ease the way
we get through the experience. C
Costco member Aisha Langford is a freelance
writer with a background in public health.
Do’s and don’ts of pain management
DO:
■ Listen to your body.
■ Pace yourself. Pain isn’t
always consistent.
■ Talk to your pharmacist and
physician on a regular basis.
■ Mention all of the drugs that you
are taking, to avoid interactions.
■ Monitor any side effects.
DON’T:
■ Ask friends and family for
medication suggestions.
■ Take someone else’s pain pills.
■ Mix OTC pain medications and
prescription pain medications.
■ Think you’re alone.
■ Be afraid to ask for help.
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