Supporting Someone with Chronic Pain
When it comes to supporting a loved one with their chronic pain, a little bit of understanding goes a long way. And, since each person’s pain is unique, this can mean different things to different people. To help you in this pursuit, our Rutherfordton NC pain management team has put together a list of general helpful tips. Read on to learn about four ways you can better help someone in your life with their chronic pain.
Include Them in Plans
A chronic pain diagnosis comes along with many changes. That’s why one of the most important ways a caregiver, friend or family member can support someone with their chronic pain is to continue to include them in life. Offering them that consistency may be one of the few elements that gives them hope on the hard days.
In order to do this, caregivers may have to do a little bit of extra planning. We encourage family and friends to get intentional about discovering how their loved one’s condition can limit their abilities. Once that is understood, alternate methods and assistance can be established. For example, if long periods of walking is a pain trigger, ask your loved one if they are comfortable renting a wheelchair or golf cart for the event. Don’t just assume they don’t want to come – give them the option to be included comfortably.
Listen to Their Needs
Many times, doctors will report that patients struggle with getting friends and family to truly understand how challenging their condition is. This is often true due to the “invisible” nature of chronic pain. When the cause of pain is visible or obvious, people don’t tend to doubt it’s impact. However, many chronic pain conditions have internal causes that never get seen by the average caregiver, friend or loved one. In order to avoid this, we encourage caregivers and friends/family to listen to their needs in the following ways:
Believe them when they tell you they are in pain
Understand that, even when they don’t talk about it, they are still in pain
Hold off on offering advice about treatments or pain management unless they ask
Ask them to tell you more about how you can support them
Stay Positive About Treatments
One of the most challenging qualities about chronic pain is the “chronic” component. Knowing that these symptoms may be lifelong is a heavy awareness to carry. That makes it challenging for people with chronic pain to stay positive about treatments.
Our comprehensive pain doctor Rutherfordton NC (locations also in 15 additional Asheville-area cities) team recommends offering support by infusing positivity into your interactions with them. Offer to participate in therapy with them. Make healthy eating or exercise a fun, social activity. Ask your loved one what types of goals they are hoping to achieve and offer to hold them accountable and celebrate with them when they are successful.
Do Research on Their Condition
One final way you can support someone with chronic pain is by gaining a better understanding of their condition. Thankfully, in our world today, there is no shortage of information. We recommend sticking to sources that offer research-based information. Your doctor can provide you with specific, credible resources as needed. Here are some other ways to research your loved one’s condition:
Attend specialist and therapy appointments with them (as they are comfortable)
Read up on research articles done by trusted sources
Ask a doctor
Ask your loved one to tell you more about their condition as it exists from their perspective
Check out a chronic pain podcast
Rutherfordton NC Pain Management
Our pain management doctors in Rutherfordton (and 15 additional Asheville-area locations) are accepting new patients. We welcome patients with back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic pain, arthritis, shingles, autoimmune diseases, joint pain, headaches, migraines and more. Let us help you in supporting your loved one with their chronic pain condition. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.