Tips for the New Year on Managing Chronic Pain
We know that the start of a new year can be as simple as the flip of a calendar page. However, we like to think of it as an opportunity to pause and evaluate our progress. As specialists who are passionate about doing all we can to help patients see progress in their chronic pain goals, we encourage you to pause and evaluate, too. To help you in that process, we’ve put together our top three tips for better pain management in the new year.
Review and Revitalize Your Pain Reduction Goals
As you begin your new year, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your Asheville pain management doctor. Together, you and your doctor can look at the progress you’ve made together and evaluate where progress has plateaued. It may even be helpful to revisit your original goals and see if those goals still apply to your new year’s life plans and pain points.
Some of our top recommendations for healthy pain reduction goals include the following:
Resume normal daily activity level/return to work
Improve mood and personal interactions
Increase endurance and physical strength
Improve sleep quality/amount
Remember That Your Mental Health Matters
Pain doesn’t exist in a vacuum; your physical health affects your mental health. Non-physiological factors such as personality, cognitions, beliefs, socio-cultural variables, learning and emotional reactivity all contribute significantly to a patient’s perception of pain. It’s important to consider all of this when making your pain goals.
One way to help incorporate mental health in goal setting is to use the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) as an assessment tool. It utilizes the same 1-10 numbered scale as a traditional pain scale, but each number relates to a specific degree of a satisfying quality of life. Visit our dedicated blog on the Quality of Life Scale for pain to learn more about the QOLS and how to apply it to your chronic pain goals.
Get Plugged in to a Chronic Pain Community
The idea that “it takes a village” applies to much more than just raising a child. The village concept is essential for all of us. Consider finding a chronic pain support group or association this year. It might just be the best decision you make all year. The following are national groups that offer many different types of support and resources:
National Fibromyalgia Association: Resources, education and assistance for those living with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions
American Chronic Pain Association: Dedicated to offering peer support, resources and raising awareness
The Mighty: Social media-style platform for individuals with chronic pain, chronic illness and their families/caregivers
Chronic Pain Anonymous: A 12-step program for those living with chronic pain
Chronic Joy: Faith-based support for those with mental illness, chronic pain, disability and chronic illness
If you are looking for more of an in-person, local connection, we recommend starting with an appointment at your local pain specialists of North Carolina. The very best resources come as a result of having a chronic pain specialist give you a thorough assessment first. Once that’s happened, he or she can offer reliable recommendations on everything from treatment plans to support groups and more.
Asheville Pain Management
We know you hurt, but you don’t have to. You need a qualified partner like Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas to help you on your journey toward a healthy, active and happy life. Our pain management doctors are here to help! Call today to schedule a consultation and learn about our comprehensive pain management solutions.