Pain

Living With Pain: Coping Tips and Resources

Pain can have a major impact on your physical and emotional health, making life difficult and uncomfortable. While it's true that pain relief medications can make a huge difference, there are other ways that you can cope with the challenges of pain every day.

Here are some tips for coping with pain:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or tai chi to help reduce stress and manage your pain.
• Try scheduled breaks during activities that include gentle stretches, massage, or changing your position.
• Use methods such as guided imagery or biofeedback to help reduce stress and control your response to pain.
• Work with your healthcare provider to set realistic goals for what you can do each day to manage pain.
• Use distraction techniques when you can't do an activity that would normally bring you pain relief. For example, read a book or watch a movie.
• Look for ways to incorporate enjoyable activities into your day such as art projects, walks, or dancing.
• Create a support system of family and friends who understand your pain and needs.
• Take advantage of online resources for pain relief such as yoga, acupuncture, and nutrition.

You don't have to suffer in silence. Depending on the type of pain you have, there may be a variety of treatments available. To find out which treatments may be best for your particular situation, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.