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The Reality of Chronic Pain

© Michelle Struik

Chronic Pain! Most of us with disabilities have a problem with it! It may be physical, emotional or mental pain that we face, usually on a daily basis. Most doctors would agree that it is the most undertreated aspect of disability. Visit any disability and/or medical condition message base, chat room or newsgroup on the Net and you find copious amounts of people investing a lot of their time and effort learning how to cope and deal with it.

Most of us tread that fine line in an attempt to keep our pain under control. Sometimes we succeed; most of the time we don't. Doctors and other medical professionals always worry about that fine line between pain control and addiction to painkillers and/or other medications.

This is where "pain education" comes into the picture. There is a lot more to pain control that swallowing a couple of pain killers. You must take some responsibility for "taking charge" of your own pain issues.

Diversion - taking your mind off the pain by doing an activity that you really enjoy.

Visualization - learning to target the pain so that you can release it and let it go.

Mom's Cure - hot baths, hot/cold pads, epsom salts do help in some situations.

These are just to name a few.

Pain clinics are worth exploring and can teach you these techniques and several more. To find such a clinic speak to your doctor or connect with your local patient support group. Usually they can give you recommendations regarding clinics in your area.

There are times, however, where medications are in order and you shouldn't be denied them if the need is there. Learning to lobby for your "pain control" is a major aspect of what quality of life you will achieve. Some doctors are very uncomfortable prescribing pain medication, but some are more open to the possibility if you can "prove" the need is real. "Lobbying" for pain medications can be a difficult task but it's not impossible. Most doctors will respond if you approach them in an educated and responsible manner.

Recently I ran into an excellent site that can explain, educate and aid you in your "lobby" attempts. Woodchuck's Pain Resource Site is a massive site set up to help you explore this important aspect of your life. It is an extensive site that will take you more than a few visits to explore! Hopefully as you discover new information it will help you learn new coping skills you can incorporate into your daily living. Possibly it will provide you with the tools you need to "lobby" your doctor for better pain control.

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