Not doing physical activity or trying to do too much can hurt chronic pain patients. It can also help get rid of stress. Lifestyle changes are also an important part of therapy. Getting regular sleep at night and not taking daytime naps should help. Stopping smoking helps too because the nicotine in cigarettes can make some medicines less effective.
Smokers also have more pain than nonsmokers.
Most pain treatments will not take away all of your pain. Instead, treatment should reduce how much pain you have and how often it occurs. Talk to your doctor to learn how to best control your pain. Telling your doctor about your pain will help him or her find the best treatment. Tell your doctor where, how bad and how often your pain occurs.