Chronic Pain

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic Pain is pain that persists over time and is not easily relieved. Usually, pain is described as chronic if it has been present for more than 6 months. This pain can be constant or intermittent (come and go). In Canada, statistics show that 17% of Canadians live with Chronic Pain.

Often our moods, sleep, ability to function and to be alert are impacted and we may find that our outlook on life, our relationships and our self image are also influenced. Too often help does not address how our lives are altered. There are many things that we can do that can help, though each person needs to find what works best for them.

Types of Chronic Pain

Following is a list of some of the conditions or types of pain that are often considered to be or include Chronic Pain (this is by no means an exclusive list):

Things That You Can Do

We know more about what can help people to cope with Chronic Pain than we do about the actual mechanism of pain. It is important that you find out as much as you can about your pain or condition. Information about Chronic Pain can now be found in libraries, bookstores, popular magazines as well as through helping professionals. If you seek the help of a professional, such as your physician, chiropractor, counsellor, physiotherapist...etc. it is critical that they believe that you have pain. If this is not the case...find someone who does!

Research and experience in dealing with Chronic Pain now recognizes that a holistic approach is a must. Chronic Pain effects the mind, body, heart and soul. Treatment is not limited to taking medication, though medication can be very helpful. Treatment includes a wide variety of options from the more traditional medical to more "alternative" therapies that can include: massage, acupuncture, acupressure, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, relaxation, meditation and the like. One of the more frequently sited and beneficial aspects of coping with Chronic Pain includes movement and exercise as well as activities that reduce stress. What is important is that you find the combination that works best for you and gives you the best quality of life possible...and...recognizing that the choices are yours.

Resources

Last year there were three Canadian Magazines that carried articles about Chronic Pain: the March 1998 edition of Homemaker's; the May 1998 edition of Chatelaine (www.chatelaine.com click on Conversations then Health); and, the Spring 1998 edition of Abilities.

Other Resources

Benson, Herbert. Timeless Healing: The Power and Biology of Belief. Scribner. NY, NY. 1996.

Benson, Herbert. The Relaxation Response . Avon Books. NY, NY. 1975.

Borysenko, Joan and Borysenko, Miroslav. The Power of the Mind to Heal. Hay House, Inc. Carson, CA. 1994.

Borysenko, Joan. Minding the Body, Mending the Mind. Bantam Books. Toronto, New York. 1987.

Caudill, Margaret A. Managing Pain before It Manages You. The Guilford Press. New York. 1995.

Davis, Eshelman and McKay. The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook. Fourth Edition. New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Oakland, CA. 1995.

Domar, Alice. Healing Mind, Healthy Woman. Henry Holt and Company. New York. 1996.

Hanh, Thich Nhat. Peace Is Every Step: the Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life. Bantam Books. New York, NY. 1991. ***

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditations in Everyday Life. Hyperion. New York. 1994. ***

Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. A Delta Book. New York, NY. 1990. ***

Melzack and Wall. The Challenge of Pain. Basic Books, Inc. New York. 1983.

Starlanyl and Copeland. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofacial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual. New Harbinger Publication, Inc. Oakland, CA. 1996.

NORTH AMERICAN CHRONIC PAIN ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
NACPAC is a registered Canadian Charity and Affiliate of the American Chronic Pain Association ACPA inks to Pain Resources serving both Americans and Canadians.