10 HELPFUL HINTS ON THE ROAD TO PAIN RELIEF

10 HELPFUL HINTS ON THE ROAD TO PAIN RELIEF
By Barby Ingle

1. Speak up! You are your best advocate and have a right to timely and effective care.
2. Know your limits. By taking on less, you’ll ultimately be able to accomplish more.
3. Know your pain. Know options available to you, educate yourself about available treatment options.
4. Reach out. Bring a relative or friend to your appointments, accept assistance.
5. Seek out information and support. Investigate resources in our community or online.
6. Simplify. Work with one provider to manage your pain care as much as possible.
7. Take a moment. Listen to your body’s response to stress and anxiety. Make a habit of taking time each day for deep breathing exercises to help ease your pain.
8. Take care of yourself. Maintain health habits and stay active to the best of your ability.
9. Take stock. Know there will be good days and bad days. Take a moment to focus on the good things in your life.
10. Write it down. Use a journal to record your pain levels and questions for your pain care team.