Learning to live with chronic pain

Learning to live with chronic pain

For more than four million Americans with chronic nerve pain, a burning feeling, pins and needles or numbness are more than passing sensations, according to Penney Cowan, executive director of the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA). "People may not realize that these feelings are symptoms of chronic neuropathic or nerve pain, that should be taken seriously," she said. The symptoms are often hard to describe to a doctor because they feel very different from pain associated with an injury or sore muscles, Cowan said.

Cowan will discuss chronic nerve pain and how to manage it at "It Takes Nerve," Wednesday, July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brockport Wellness Center, 156 West Avenue. For information call the American Chronic Pain Association at 800-533-3231.

Nerve pain is often hard to diagnose because it cannot be seen, and the cause may be impossible to locate, she said. "It may be related to a number of medical conditions such as diabetes, shingles, cancer, carpal tunnel or a spinal injury, or it might just be a result of wear and tear on the neurological system." Yet, when not properly managed, nerve pain can seriously affect many aspects of a person's life, she said. "The symptoms come and go - and this is what makes it very confusing, both to the person affected and those in their lives."

Cowan founded the ACPA 26 years ago with the goal of helping people with chronic pain take control of their lives and become active in their care.

She recommends:

•Talking to a doctor about the pain and how to manage it. Be well prepared to describe it. (See www.theacpa.org for tips on communicating about chronic pain.)

•Asking about medications for nerve pain.

•Learning to relax and set realistic goals.

•Asking about a moderate exercise program and stay active.

•Getting family and friends involved.

•Finding a support group (Call the ACPA at 1-800-533-2331.)

"Training yourself to listen to your body and learning to use skills such as relaxation to redirect your attention are key to feeling in control," Cowan said.