Top Ten Tips: The Road to Pain Relief
It’s important to become your own best advocate as you navigate the road to pain relief and reclaim your life. And the earlier you seek treatment, the better. Here are some other helpful things to keep in mind along the way:
- Don’t be afraid to speak up! Only you know the extent of your pain and how it affects your quality of life.
- Knowledge is power. There are a variety of drug and non-drug therapies (e.g., physical therapy, yoga, meditation) available to effectively control pain; these are typically used in combination. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to relax and cope with pain. Your
pain may feel worse if you are stressed, depressed or anxious.
- Set realistic goals with your healthcare provider for things you most want to do, such as sleeping, working, exercising or enjoying sexual relations. Begin with the easiest goals first.
- Tell your provider what over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take, at what dose and how often. Also let him or her know about other personal health habits (e.g., smoking tobacco, alcohol use), which can interfere with some pain treatments and increase pain levels.
- Keep a pain journal to record the frequency and intensity of your pain. Use descriptive words, such as sharp, crushing, throbbing, shooting or tender. Also, take note of how well your treatment plan is working and what makes your pain worse or better.
- Write down questions you have before each appointment, and tell your provider(s) if there is
something you don’t understand.
- Bring a relative or friend to your appointments for support and to help take notes and remember what was said.
- Find out about support groups and educational programs in your area or online.
- Reach out to supportive friends and family members when you need them.
- Know there will be good days and bad days.
Reprinted from APF's Pain Resource Guide: Getting the Help You Need
http://www.painfoundation.org/Publications/PainResourceGuide2007.pdf
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