Living with Pain — Reaping the Benefits of Exercise
Chronic pain takes a toll on your body, mind and soul. Often times, you may feel like you have little control over what's going on with your body or your medical situation. You may feel helpless and hopeless. One thing you can do to regain a sense of control is to become physically active in any way that you can. Incorporating appropriate activity into your lifestyle can have immeasurable benefits to your well-being, including increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved sleep, stress relief and sometimes even pain relief. Read more.

T'ai Chi Chih — Moving Meditation
By Nicole Hemmenway
For more than decade, Nicole has lived with chronic pain — the burning, stabbing, shooting pains are constant reminders her body deals with every day. After trying different therapies, medications, and surgeries, Nicole began looking outside the box. She opened herself up to new possibilities and discovered T'ai Chi Chih as a way to regain flexibility, energy, and control of her life and health. Click here to read more about T'ai Chi and Nicole's experiences with this "moving meditation."

Some Exercises for your Back, Hips, and Neck
A few minutes each day can make a difference in your flexibility and strength. This article includes just a few examples of exercises you can do to strengthen your back and increase your flexibility. Click here to see drawings and step-by-step instructions on performing simple stretches. As with any exercise, talk with your doctor first and ask if these or other exercises are appropriate for your pain or physical condition.

Books Available for Review — Learn More and Share your Knowledge with Others
The National Pain Foundation periodically receives books about chronic pain, and we would love to hear what you have to say about these or other books about chronic pain. Writing a book review can be a great way to express your creative side and help others. Click here for a list of books available.

Celebrex Now Approved to Treat Ankylosing Spondylitis
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Celebrex (celecoxib), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, for the relief of symptoms related to ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Read more.

FDA Approves Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy System for Long-Term Treatment of Chronic Depression
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy System for the adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression in patients 18 years old or older. The VNS Therapy System is designed to treat people who are experiencing a major depressive episode and have not responded to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments. Read more.

Pain News
Click here to read the latest research findings on migraine, osteoarthritis, spinal arthritis, and more.

Urgent Member News -- FDA issues Public Health Advisory for Fentanyl Patches
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory about the safe use of transdermal fentanyl patches on Friday, July 15, 2005. The alert urges patients using the product to follow directions exactly to prevent an overdose. The advisory is in response to reports of deaths in patients using the patch for pain management. The fentanyl patch contains a strong opioid medication, called fentanyl, which is delivered slowly into the body through the skin (transdermal), and usually lasts three days, which makes it convenient. It is intended to treat moderate-to-severe chronic pain, when other medicines have not been effective or well tolerated. Click here to read more about this advisory.

Urgent Member Alert — Palladone Withdrawn from the Market
July 14, 2005 --- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced yesterday that it has asked Purdue Pharma to voluntarily withdraw Palladone extended-release capsules (hydromorphone hydrochloride) from the market because of safety concerns about patients taking the medication with alcohol. Purdue announced the immediate, voluntary end to the marketing and sale of Palladone in the United States yesterday pending further discussions with the FDA. Click here to read more.