A significant minority of headache sufferers experience almost constant pain that does not respond to currently available medications. Patients who suffer chronic pain deserve care and compassion. However, chronic pain does not grant you permission to be obnoxious, abusive, or demanding. Such behavior may result in isolation and loss of support from family, friends, and caregivers. Unlike the patient in acute pain from a kidney stone or intermittent migraine or cluster headache, the individual suffering from chronic pain may appear normal to family, friends, coworkers, and supervisors.
Chronic pain is a personal and private suffering.
Even physicians cannot determine whether chronic pain is mild or severe. This aspect of chronic pain can lead to discouragement and demoralization. Emotional suffering may exceed the physical suffering of chronic pain. Constant pain drains one's energy and spirits. This book offers practical and valuable advice for the patient suffering from chronic pain.