Vital KC

Have you ever referred to someone causing you stress as a pain in the neck? You’re not far off.

If you’re one of the 51 million Americans living with chronic pain, which is pain that lasts three months or longer, the expression your face is making is likely making the pain worse. “Chronic pain and stress go hand in hand,” said Fei Cao, MD, medical director of the UH Pain Management Clinic. Dr. Cao says it can be explained by complex neuroscience, “but simply put, chronic pain and stress are interlinked because the same parts of your brain that control stress also control pain perception.”

For example, Dr. Cao said two patients can have the same injury, but the patient who lives with the stress of surviving a past traumatic experience will likely experience the pain more severely.

Dr. Cao said it’s not unusual for new pain management patients to underestimate the impact of stress. And, because there is still a stigma around seeking behavioral health help and support, he said it’s likely that many of the patients are more willing to address the chronic pain than the stress.

But if there’s one thing he wants you to know, it's that comprehensive chronic pain treatment must always address stress along with chronic pain for better and longer pain relief.

The American Psychological Association offers the following tips on coping with chronic pain:

• Talk to yourself constructively.
• Positive thinking is a powerful tool. By focusing on the improvements you are making (i.e., the pain is less today than yesterday or you feel better than you did a week ago) you can make a difference in your perceived comfort level. For example, instead of considering yourself powerless and thinking that you absolutely cannot deal with the pain, remind yourself that you are uncomfortable, but that you are working toward finding a healthy way to deal with it and living a productive and fulfilling life.
• Become active and engaged.
• Distracting yourself from your pain by engaging in activities you enjoy will help you highlight the positive aspects of your life. Isolating yourself from others fosters a negative attitude and may increase your perception of your pain. Consider finding a hobby or a pastime that makes you feel good and helps you connect with family, friends, or other people via your local community groups or the internet.
• Find support.
• Going through the daily struggle of your pain can be extremely trying, especially if you’re doing it alone. Reach out to other people who are in your same position and who can share and understand your highs and lows. Search the internet or your local community for support groups, which can reduce your burden by helping you understand that you’re not alone.
• Consult a professional.
• If you continue to feel overwhelmed by chronic pain at a level that keeps you from performing your daily routine, you may want to talk with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, who can help you handle the physical and psychological repercussions of your condition.

A referral, from your primary care physician, is necessary for an appointment in the Pain Management Clinic.