FAQs
These questions and answers can help you get started on the path to better understanding of your pain and its impact on your life.
- What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is pain that continues a month or more beyond the usual recovery period for an injury or illness or that goes on for months or years due to a chronic condition. The pain is usually not constant but can interfere with daily life at all levels.
- Is my pain all in my head?
This question is often asked by people who have been told that they will have to learn to live with their pain. At times, it is difficult to pin down a specific physical cause for the pain. But that does not lessen the suffering. When we experience any pain, it is in both our bodies and minds. We cannot separate the physical and psychological affects any situation has on us.
- How can I find a doctor who specializes in pain management?
As a start, you can visit the following sites: And visit the section titled Choosing a Multidisciplinary Pain Program on our web site.
- How can I make my family understand how much pain I'm in?
There is no way for another person to feel your pain. It is more important for them to understand what their role is in helping you manage the pain. The ACPA Family Manual is an excellent resource for family members. It can help them realize that, while family members don't feel the physical pain, their lives are affected in much the same way as that of the person with pain. Throughout the book they may read what others who live with a person with pain have to say and learn how to cope with the changes in their life and yours.
- I don't understand why my doctor is asking me to take a new medicine. How can I find out more about what it is for and ways it might effect me?
The best way to have all your questions answered is to ask your doctor. But visits to the doctor can be emotional and often we don't think about questions until we have returned home.
- What is a multidisciplinary pain management program (MPP)?
A MPP offers a variety of skills taught by trained staff to help a person better manage his or her pain. These programs may not offer a cure, but they can help to improve the quality of life and at the same time reduce the overwhelming control that pain can have of daily life. Visit the section titled Choosing a Multidisciplinary Pain Program on our web site.
- How do I find out more information about my pain problems?
Most chronic pain conditions have an organization that is designed to provide specific information about cause, treatment, and research. The Resources section of this site can link you to many of them.