My Treatment: Fibromyalgia - Treatment Options: Psychological Factors

Psychology of Pain

According to Mayo Clinic on Chronic Pain, "Chronic pain is common. It is estimated that almost half of Americans experience some form of chronic pain during their lifetime. But coping with the pain is often frustrating. Pain is a very personal experience. No one except you can completely understand what you're feeling. Persistent pain can also be difficult to treat."

Since treatments such as pain medication, injections and surgery often are ineffective for fibromyalgia, the pain usually continues despite many visits to the doctor. As frustrating as this can be, there is hope. Chronic pain is difficult to get rid of, but you can learn to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Your lifestyle affects your pain. There are many things you can do to help control your pain and improve your life. The following are keys to help you live a better life despite chronic pain:

Weaning yourself from unnecessary medications
Becoming more physically active
Organizing your day and performing daily tasks more efficiently
Practicing techniques that relieve stress and promote relaxation
Identifying your capabilities, not just your limitations
Understanding and expressing the feelings pain creates
Improving communication with family members and friends
Practicing good health habits, including following a nutritious diet, managing your weight and getting adequate sleep

These steps can be hard to accomplish on your own, especially if pain has been in control of your life for a long time. Sometimes the assistance of a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program is required to get back in control of your life. These programs typically last for three weeks with six or more hours a day of group and individual treatment.