Pain

Pain can be very debilitating and cause other symptoms such as stress, shortness of breath and even depression. Pain can be relieved in a variety of ways.  Taking simple pain relief medication is the most obvious way, but may not work for everyone. There is no "magic bullet" for pain relief, but there are some strategies that may help you. Using your mind to distract you is one such technique. Try to concentrate on something that you enjoy doing or want to do. This could be re-living a pleasant trip you have made, planning a trip or actually doing a task such as gardening. This simple technique is called distraction, focusing on something other than your pain can give you short term relief. Of course if a task increases your pain, then stop. Do not work through pain, all you will gain is more pain. This technique is part of the Pathway to Healthier Living program  along with many other strategies. If your pain persists always consult your heath care team

To learn more about managing your symptoms why not consider joining a Pathway to Healthier Living program  at our centre or ask your health professional about the Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) in your area.