Chronic pain often requires both counseling and medical treatment, because it can have a wearing effect on both the body and the mind. Controlling your pain can help you to:
- Be active.
- Sleep.
- Cope better with your treatment for a health problem.
- Enjoy family and friends.
- Eat with pleasure.
- Heal faster after an injury or surgery.
Long-term pain that isn't controlled can take the joy from your life. You may not be able to work. Physical activity may be too painful or exhausting. You may have a hard time sleeping at night, which can make you tired and cranky. Your outlook on life may change and strain your relationships with family and friends. You may become depressed and anxious.
Controlling pain can help with all these things.