Coping With Excessive Pain

Pain is an experience we all know. Although unwanted, it plays an important role in drawing our attention to the source of physical discomfort or injury so we can address it. But sometimes the pain seems to persist in this function and remains for no clear reason. Dealing with this kind of chronic pain can be a struggle. However, sometimes physical factors are unidentifiable or unable to explain the duration and intensity of pain experienced. In these cases, a thorough psychological evaluation may be recommended to understand the emotional factors that could be causing or exacerbating the pain. But does pain also have a psychological aspect?

Pain used to be understood as a physical sensation. But over the years, pain is influenced by many psychosocial factors, including emotions, social and environmental context, sociocultural background, and meaning of pain to the person, So it is a combination of these physical, emotional, and social factors that serve to cause, increase or maintain chronic pain. But the experience of chronic pain also causes anger, sadness, and anxiety and affects our social functioning. Treatment thus requires addressing not only the organic source but also other psychosocial factors involved in experiencing pain.

Many treatments, such as medications, surgery, or physical therapy, help treat chronic pain.  We need to understand and develop coping strategies to better manage the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors we experience along with the pain.

Stay active

Don't go beyond what you can handle.

Stay fit

Low-impact exercises such as stretching, swimming, or yoga can help keep your body fit without causing more pain. Find out what exercises work for you and do them.

Stay Social

Social support is important in an emergency. Talk to people you are close to. 

Stay involved

Engaging in other activities can distract you from the pain. Make sure you have a list of activities you enjoy when the pain hits. Anything from watching a movie to joining a local club can help.

Stay on track

If you follow a regular physical routine or medication, stick to it. Unplanned changes can have harmful consequences. Do not change or stop your treatment routine without first consulting your doctor or therapist.