You’re probably well aware of the fact that pain affects not only you, but those around you as well because dealing with chronic pain can be exhausting. It can have a negative effect on your mental and emotional wellbeing, inadvertently hurting your social life. The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center understand pain conditions can have social implications, which is why they want to support patients in every way possible. If you’re struggling to sustain relationships with family members and friends, don’t lose hope. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center is dedicated to helping you through the stages of your chronic pain condition and want to provide tips on how to interact socially with others.
Talk it out
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or some kind of chronic pain condition, it can be hard to explain to others what you’re going through. People can understand most conditions that have outward, visible symptoms, but because pain is essentially “invisible” it can be much harder for others to comprehend. This can leave others wondering how to behave around you. Instead of leaving them with boundless unanswered questions and thoughts, address the matter at hand right away. Be there to answer their questions and allow them to speak openly. This well help clear the air on chronic pain misconceptions and create trust between you and your loved ones.
Connect with other pain patients
Making new friends can also be difficult because having to tell your story or explain your limitations may leave the wrong impression, especially if the person you’re talking to isn’t familiar with chronic pain. Therefore, it may help to talk to others who understand your pain, either through a professional or a chronic pain support group. There are many support groups available both online and in person and they can help you and others going through some of the same struggles.
Get involved
Many have said chronic pain is not widely known and have made comments about there needing to be more public awareness. Well, make it known and consider getting involved in campaigns to promote awareness of chronic pain. The American Chronic Pain Association is a great outlet for this because they focus on raising awareness among policy makers, health care communities and the public about chronic pain. You can check out their website here: https://theacpa.org/
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2015
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