More than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain each year, and one-third of Americans will have chronic pain at some point in their life. These staggering statistics are findings from a survey conducted in 2004. What can you do about your chronic pain? - Keep cool emotionally. Try not to let anything worry or upset you. Talk with your doctor and tell him how you are feeling. Your doctor may prescribe medication and/or refer you to a psychologist who can help you work through your anxieties.
- Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy diet. Get some exercise. Now is the perfect time to make changes in your lifestyle that may help your chronic pain. If you don't know what exercises you can do, ask your doctor.
- Consider meditation, relaxation techniques and biofeedback. Many chronic pain sufferers have found degrees of relief by learning how to meditate, doing progressive relaxation techniques or participating in biofeedback sessions.
- Don't isolate. Reach out and help others in some way. Don't think about your pain all the time. Do plan activities to help take your mind off your pain. Volunteer work is a great way to help others. There are support groups for people who suffer from chronic pain.Find one and join it.
- Let others know your feelings, but don't talk about your pain constantly. Be honest with friends and family about your feelings. If you're angry about being in pain constantly, tell them. If you are sad that the quality of your life has changed because of the pain, share that. But don't talk about your pain constantly. Look for the good things in your life and share happy moments with those you love. Try to concentrate on the positive aspects of life.
Here are links to sites that may help you learn more about chronic pain and find new ways to deal with it. American Academy of Pain Management American Chronic Pain Association American Pain Foundation American Pain Society National Chronic Pain Society National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Chronic Pain Page By Ellie Kuykendall | 
