A CONSUMER GUIDE TO OPTIONS FOR MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN part 3 of 3
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF MANAGE YOUR PAIN
Are there alternative therapies that can help me reduce my suffering?
As we have learned more about the connection between mind and body, the role of alternative therapies in treating chronic conditions has grown. Many people with pain find that therapies such as massage, yoga, tai chi, relaxation training, biofeedback, acupuncture, and more can help reduce the impact pain has on their lives. These therapies can be a helpful addition to, not a replacement for, traditional medical treatment. Discuss with your doctor what might be useful.
To learn more, visit:
There also is information on alternative medications in the American Chronic Pain Association’s Medication Supplement at www.theacpa.org/pf_03_01.asp .
Where can I learn pain management techniques that I can use on my own?
There are many ways to reduce your sense of suffering and improve the quality of your life in spite of pain. A key step is getting involved in your care and regaining control of your life by learning good pain management skills. Here are some good places to start:
Are there support groups for people with chronic pain?
Rebuilding a life devastated by chronic pain is easier with the support and help of those who have been there and can help you find the way back. A good support group does not dwell on symptoms or losses, but rather focuses on positive actions you can take to improve the quality of your life—with a little help from your friends. The American Chronic Pain Associations has groups across the country. Visit www.theacpa.org/aa_03.asp to find a group near you or visit the American Pain Foundation’s PainAid at www.painaid.painfoundation.org or the National Pain Foundation’s My Community at www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyCommunity to join an online group.
What role can families and friends play?
When pain strikes one member of a family or social group, everyone suffers. As a caregiver, family member, or friend of someone with pain, you also have needs. The American Chronic Pain Association has a manual designed to address the needs of families who live with or care about people with pain. You can read more about it at www.theacpa.org/catalog.asp .
In addition, these links can help you keep a healthy balance in your life while appropriately supporting the person with pain.
UNDERSTANDING THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT REGULATE DRUGS
How can I find out more about the Food and Drug Administration?
Visit their web site at www.fda.gov.
How can I find out more about the Drug Enforcement Administration?
The Drug Enforcement Administration web site is http://www.usdoj.gov/dea
HAVING YOUR SAY
I want decision makers to know how I feel about this issue. How can I make my voice heard?
There are many ways you can play a role in shaping public policy on pain management.
You can contact your elected federal and state officials and ask them to make pain care a priority. Find out how by visiting your state’s Internet home page or these national links:
You can ask your member of the House of Representatives to support HR 1020, the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2005. For more information about the bill and what you can do to support it, visit the American Pain Foundation’s online advocacy center www.painfoundation.org and click on the TAKE ACTION! button.
For a guide to having September declared Pain Awareness Month in your state or community, download the Partners for Understanding Pain Proclamation Tool Kit at www.theacpa.org/documents/Proclamations%20Process%20Guide%20Tool%20Kit6.pdf.
To help you create awareness in your communities about the far reaching implications pain has on an individual’s life, go to www.nationalpainfoundation.org/NationalPainAwareness/default.asp.
Finally, there is a Pain Advocacy Tool Kit available for those who want to play a more active role at www.partnersagainstpain.com/painadvocacycommunity.
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