Some approaches use sensation to overcome the pathways pain travels between the place of hurt and the brain. Rub your hurt hand after banging it. The ice and rubbing pressure over rides some of the pain messages traveling to your brain. Certainly many pain conditions give you stress, and stress can aggravate pain. Approaches that help lower stress are valuable complementary therapies.
Relaxation can help pain medicines work quicker and last longer.
It is possible with deep relaxation practice to release the body's natural pain medicine, endorphins. A good belly laugh or exercise can also release these pain-fighting chemicals. Behavioral pain management approaches like learning to say no and not feel guilty, grief work around loss of health, and pacing activity and rest, can use one's own actions and reactions as important tools to help ourselves control pain instead of pain controlling us. It is important to know why pain is present, it can be a warning sign of danger, such as chest pain or the pain of a broken bone. Discuss your pain problem with your health care provider.