Managing Pain When It’s a Fact of Life

For people with arthritis, pain is often a fact of life. Unfortunately, many have trouble controlling their pain, and they experience chronic pain almost every day. It is important that you contact your doctor or a pain management specialist if you are experiencing chronic pain, because it can have negative effects on how you are able to carry on with your daily activities. Inactivity caused by chronic pain can lead to increased symptoms, and it can begin a negative cycle of more pain and inactivity.

Arthritis pain is caused by inflammation of the joints, damage to the joint tissues, strained muscles that are trying to protect your joints from movements that cause you pain, and fatigue, which can make the pain feel more severe and make it more difficult for you to cope effectively. In many cases, people with arthritis feel helpless and depressed about their condition. These negative feelings tend to increase feelings of pain. But the good news is that there are things that you can do to control your pain. By learning how to control your pain, you will gain more control over your illness.

Mental Strategies

The following are mental exercises that you can use to help you to mentally gain control over the pain. Controlling your mind and emotions is often a very difficult task, but if you are able to master these strategies, you will find that your pain may not trouble you as much as it did before.

Maintain a “wellness” attitude. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of your illness, focus on the things that you are doing to make yourself well. Think positive thoughts, eat well, exercise, laugh, visit with friends, and take part in activities that you enjoy.

Try not to dwell on your pain. The more you think about your pain, the greater will be your discomfort. Try to focus on other, more positive things.

PAIN MEDICATIONS

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