PainCare - the leading Pain Management specialists in NH

Acknowledgement and thanks to Kim, one of our Medical Assistants, for initiating this article.

PainCare strives to improve our patients’ quality of life by alleviating pain. Chronic pain may not be curable, but it can almost always be better managed and controlled.

However, PainCare cannot do it alone. Pain management is a team effort. While you and your provider must work together, you alone must take responsibility for certain aspects of treatment.

Below are some important ways you, the patient, can best take control of your pain. Ask your provider about ways to incorporate some of the following suggestions into your treatment plan:

• If you smoke, stop. Research shows that nicotine increases sensitivity to pain and delays healing by decreasing the circulation to the spine.

• Get physical and stick with it. Join a gym, or just walk. In order to establish a routine, every day workouts are best. Go very easy at first, do something you know will not result in more pain the next day, then slowly increase the amount of exercise every day. However, check with your PainCare provider before beginning any exercise program.

• Know your limits. When you begin to feel better as the result of our treatments, you can easily overextend yourself; this would needlessly stop your progress.

• Use proper lifting and bending techniques.

• Keep a positive attitude and get out of the house daily. If you have been diagnosed with depression, seek help. All pain is negatively impacted by feeling blue, anxious or sad. 

• Choose something to keep your mind occupied, such as reading, hobbies, or participation in family and social activities.

• If you are unable to work, consider volunteering in your community, such as at the local soup kitchen or hospital. Recent studies have shown that volunteering can play an important role in increasing your overall sense of well-being, alleviating chronic pain, and even reducing depression.

• Eat healthier foods and snacks. So called "comfort foods" provide only temporary "comfort" and can contribute to weight gain and blood-sugar problems.

• If you are overweight, ask your provider for information on weight-loss programs. Carrying extra pounds not only puts more pressure on painful joints, but also causes early fatigue and reduced energy for exercise.

• Keep scheduled appointments and comply with your treatment plan. Do not make changes without consulting your provider.

• If recommended by your provider, consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, herbals, or massage.

Remember, YOUR level of involvement is the key to a successful treatment plan.