Three of the best sources of chronic pain support include the patient’s chronic pain doctor, his family and friends, and chronic pain support groups. Each of these sources provides a unique and important kind of support. From his chronic pain specialist, the patient receives help managing pain and understanding the medical aspects of his condition. His family and friends provide a sense of familiarity and emotional support that those who don’t know him can’t offer. The sufferer can also find support from members of support groups who are going through, or have loved ones going through, the same kinds of hardships.
A patient’s first source of chronic pain support is his doctor. This person is medically trained in treating chronic pain, as well as understanding what the patient is going through. This means a chronic pain specialist can provide information about managing both pain and day-to-day activities. Some doctors might have relationships with a certain chronic pain clinic or support center where their patients can find additional support. Anyone who feels he isn’t receiving adequate chronic pain support from his doctor might consider searching for a new specialist.
Family members and friends can be extremely beneficial sources of chronic pain support. This is especially true of those family members and friends with whom the patient has the closest relationships. It’s a good idea for family members, friends, and significant others to learn as much as possible about chronic pain and the patient’s condition. Understanding the condition will help these people provide support and help prevent the tension misunderstanding can cause. A patient’s loved ones can learn more by reading literature, talking with the patient’s chronic pain doctor, and even attending chronic pain support group meetings.
Having the support of a chronic pain specialist, as well as family and friends, is important. Still, as knowledgeable as these people can be, they don’t always know exactly what the patient is going through unless they’ve suffered from chronic pain themselves. This is why it’s a good idea to join a chronic pain support group. The patient’s doctor or employees at a chronic pain center might suggest a particular group, or the patient might prefer to join an online forum for chronic pain support. Belonging to both an in-person and an online group will give the patient support options for days when he feels like traveling and days when he doesn’t feel well enough to leave his home.
