Janice went from being an active mother of three children to someone who couldn t walk or lift her arms from above the elbows. It s really a miracle we survived as a family at all, says Janice, now 51. Our two older children had to grow up quickly. Instead of being cared for themselves, they had to learn to take care of themselves and their little brother, learn to do laundry and housework and cook at an early age instead of participating in scouting, camping, and other activities we used to do as a family. How to Find Relief People with chronic paincan find help through support groups, the Internet, and other resources.
Stress can lead to depression, particularly for the chronic pain sufferer and their caregivers.
For those in chronic pain, depression is a confounding cycle, says Robert Jamison, a Harvard Medical School professor who works with chronic pain patients. Pain contributes to decreased activity, sleep disturbances, and realistic worries such as not being able to work or to get out socially. Anxiety and depression then make pain worse. Because stress can lower tolerance for pain, relaxation techniques including meditation, muscle relaxation exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback, and hypnosis can be important components of chronic pain treatment. People respond differently to various therapies, Jamison says, which is why he recommends trying different treatments or even a combination of therapies.