Do You Suffer Wtih Chronic Pain? - By: RebeccaRengo

If you suffer with chronic pain, you are not alone. More than a third of the population lives with some degree of chronic pain. Pain is the number one reason people seek medical help. Rural populations are at greater risk of having their pain under treated. There is hope.

It is your right as a patient to have your report of pain taken seriously. Be as organized and specific as possible. Write out your concerns ahead of time and go over them with your doctor. Keep a file of all your medical information. It's often hard to concentrate when you are in pain, bring a trusted friend with you to help take notes and ask questions.

Give medications or treatments appropriate time to work, but if you are not satisfied, tell your doctor and have your treatment adjusted. Expect clear answers to your questions, take time to make decisions and refuse a treatment if you choose.

There are many alternative treatments available as well. Research options, talk with others, contact the health association for your diagnosis and talk to your doctor. Different people find different treatments helpful. Try what you believe is best for you, whether it's herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture or traditional medicine; it's a very personal process.

There are many things you can do to help yourself. The following tips are from Beyond Chronic Pain, (available at Borders by calling # 314-909-0300). Learning how to validate yourself when you have pain can be healing. Tell yourself, you are doing a good job, whether you are washing dishes or just making it through the day, it's an accomplishment. Pace yourself, take breaks and rest even if it's a good day. Many people overdo on a good day and then feel worse the next few days. Be kind to yourself. Do something nice for yourself every day. It can be sitting outside, looking through a magazine or talking on the phone. Take time to do something that is uplifting every day.

Do you feel down, lethargic or sad? If you are being treated for the physical pain, but not the psychological issues, it is not enough. Do not assume you feel this way because of your situation. Depression is treatable. Let your doctor know and get appropriate referrals as needed. A life with chronic pain can be enjoyed. Make feeling as good as you can your top priority.

About the Author

Rebecca Rengo is author of Beyond Chronic Pain: A get-well guidebook to soothe the body, mind & spirit. A Pain Relief Coach, Author, Speaker, Therapist & Educator for over 25 yrs.,she has been featured on television & radio & in publications.Rebecca is current president of the Missouri Pain Initiative & on adjunct faculty at Washington University.For more information visit:http://www.painreliefexplained.com or http://www.beyondchronicpain.com

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