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
Developing a Plan for Chronic Pain Relief
The experience of chronic pain is more than just the pain itself. Pain can affect how a participates in life, so an optimal pain management plan is multifaceted and tailored to the individual.
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.
Informational PDFs and Worksheets
Chronic Pain
Self Management
Understanding
Chronic Pain
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.
Five Steps for Managing Intense Pain Episodes
True or False?
Common Pain Beliefs
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain
Additional Information about Chronic Pain Treatment Options
Films: Managing Pain and Overcoming Stigma
Accessing Therapies and Developing Healthy Coping Skills
Many Veterans encounter “bumps and bruises” along the way during their time in service and may have to eventually navigate the VA or alternative health system to manage chronic pain. Some are able to successfully manage their pain while others have a more difficult experience attempting to manage their pain for a myriad of reasons. The veterans in this film share their experiences accessing healthcare for service-related issues and the coping strategies they have developed for PTSD, pain management and other conditions.
Raise Your Hand: Overcoming Stigma
Raising your hand to say you have a problem or reaching out for help can make anyone feel vulnerable. Reaching out to friends, family or health care providers, can be particularly difficult for Service Members and Veterans who are used to pushing through the pain and other issues related to their service such as post traumatic stress or substance abuse. However, as these veterans will attest, getting help and sharing their stories has not only helped them, but helped others experiencing similar issues.
