Staying Active:  Too much rest can actually increase pain.  Whatever exercise you are able to do, whether it be walking, aerobic fitness, stretching or yoga, exercise can be helpful in managing pain.  (Adapted exercises can be found online at www.ncpad.org) As always, talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Dr. Ehde explains that pain is best managed by using more than one of these strategies, yet you may find that a certain strategy is not for you.  After you explore different strategies and find what works for you, stick with it and then practice, practice, practice.  Be prepared for flare-ups by creating your own plan on what you will do if you experience pain.

 So my Question of the Week is:  What type of pain do you experience and how do you manage it?  Let’s swap stories and learn from each other. 

References:

Ehde, Dawn, Ph.D. (Spring 2012). More Than Meds: The Power Over Pain is in Your Hands – Mind Skills and a Self-Management Approach Help Stop the Hurting. MS Focus, Vol. 14, Issue 2, Spring 2012, page 8.

Cathy Chester is the author of the blog An Empowered Spirit.