Pain Management
The best methods of management for conditions with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, TMJ disorder, and foot pain.
How People With Chronic Pain Feel About the Opioid Crisis
Recent discussions around opioids focus on addiction and overdoses. What’s missing from the discussion is the collective voice of 100 million Americans who live with chronic pain and frequently rely on the prescription forms of these drugs for pain relief. We asked the chronic pain community how they felt about the opioid crisis.
Pain Management Topics
Latest
Do You Have Opioid-Use Disorder?
What used to be defined as “opioid addiction” has now been classified as “opioid-use disorder,” a formal mental health disorder. Find out if you fall within the 11 criteria that help to determine if you have opioid-use disorder — and how to get help.
Busting Myths About RA Pain and Opioids
In order to squash the stigma on opioid use for chronic pain, you must first understand the myths that surround pain for those living with RA. Use this piece as an explainer for your friends and family who just don't get it.
Opioids: Key Differences Between Physical Dependence and Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains the subtle nuances between physical dependence and addiction to opioids. In short: Physical dependence isn't addiction, but it can be part of addiction.
Common Shoulder Surgery Is Usually Unnecessary, Finnish Study Finds
One of the most common surgeries performed in the Western world today – shoulder impingement surgery – is no more beneficial than a placebo treatment, according to researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland.
Breaking the RA Pain Cycle — With Your Mind
It may seem silly — or impossible — but just as you trained your brain to know how to walk, or drive a car, you can also train your brain to push past the pain of your RA.
How to Manage Back Pain With Psoriatic Arthritis
Learn how to manage back pain if you also have psoriatic arthritis. These lifestyle and medical approaches will help keep you moving as pain-free as possible.
Opioid-Related Deaths An 'Enormous' Burden
The percentage of deaths due to opioids increased nearly 300 percent from 2001 to 2016, says new research in JAMA Network Open.
Have Gout; Still Traveling
Top tips for enjoyable travel with this incredibly painful form of inflammatory arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Low Back Pain
It hurts when you lie down; it hurts when you sit; it hurts when you even think about moving. Is it connected to your RA — and what can you do to cope?
Do You Really Need to Treat Gout?
Get to know potential complications that can arise without lifestyle adaptions or medical treatment of this sometimes debilitating condition.
Featured Collections
Living Well with RA
When your body's in pain, how do you move forward? Find expert advice and use the collective wisdom of fellow RA patients and caregivers to live with greater ease at home, work, and beyond.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can you guess which world record this mom with RA broke? Find even more stories of men and women staying active with rheumatoid arthritis, from the dance studio to the shores of the Great Lakes.
Meet the Experts
Ginger Vieira
Patient ExpertGinger Vieira is an author who has lived with Type 1 diabetes and Celiac disease since 1999, and fibromyalgia since 2014.
Lene Andersen, MSW
Patient ExpertLene Andersen is an author, health and disability advocate, and photographer. She lives with rheumatoid arthritis.
Tracy Davenport, Ph.D.
Health WriterSince 2004, Dr. Davenport has shared her passion for health and knowledge of the psycho-social aspects of chronic diseases with the HealthCentral community.
Health News
New Generic Drug Could Improve Treatment for Opioid Dependence
The approved the first generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film for the treatment of opioid dependence to improve access to these medications for people who need them.
Baking Soda Could Help Fight Inflammatory Diseases
Baking soda is often used as an inexpensive home remedy to treat a range of health conditions, including insect bites, indigestion, and sunburn. New research suggests that it we might soon add autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, to the li...
Think Twice Before Supplement Shopping
Study finds many supplements provide few advantages to wellness (but also, no risk).