Supporting Research in Pain Management for Veterans and Military Service Members
Supporting Research in Pain Management for Veterans and Military Service Members

Resources for People with Pain

Although these resources aim to educate and offer assistance in seeking care for pain management and co-occurring conditions, they are not intended to replace treatment by a healthcare professional.

From the PMC

Talking About Chronic Pain

Bob Kerns, PhD, Co-Director for the Pain Management Collaboratory, encourages people with chronic pain to discuss their symptoms with their providers. He offers tips on what to think about and how to prepare for the conversation(s).

Talking Points: Preparing for a Provider Visit

It is important to honestly and openly share your experiences with chronic pain with your provider(s). You’ll want to be prepared for a series of questions that providers are likely to ask. Think about the following items, and perhaps take notes about your pain experience for a few weeks prior to the appointment.

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Informational PDFs and Worksheets

Created by the VA Center for Integrated Health, the following links direct you to a series of PDFs that provide strategies and pathways for managing pain.

Chronic Pain
Self Management

Coping strategies for getting through a pain episode can be anything from talking to a friend to practicing meditation and deep breathing. Preparing a list of these strategies in advance can help lessen the impact of pain.

Understanding
Chronic Pain

Chronic pain involves many factors, from physical to social. For each factor, this PDF offers suggestions for improving aspects impacted by pain.

Five Steps for Managing Intense Pain Episodes

Suggestions for helping yourself manage pain include adjusting your self-talk, finding ways to relax, and reaching out to your support network.

True or False?
Common Pain Beliefs

Many common beliefs about chronic pain are actually false. This one-page PDF gives the truth to many of these myths.

Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain

This treatment focuses on how you think, feel, and behave in relation to your pain.

Additional Information about Chronic Pain Treatment Options

Key information about Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) is summarized on this PDF.

Additional Support