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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction information copyright |
What is chronic pain? Chronic pain lasts longer than six months. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Chronic pain is frustrating and can lead to depression, low self-esteem and feelings of anger. Pain interferes with daily activity and relationships when the veteran becomes moody or irritable. Life can be devastated by the end of a career with chronic pain. Response to pain varies among each sufferer depending on the location of the injury, how the injury occurred, pain threshold, personality, or co-morbid stressors and diagnosis the veteran may have. The meaning of illness or disability according to the veteran's culture and benefits received will also play a part in adjustment and acceptance of chronic pain. Physical symptoms secondary to chronic pain can include increase in blood pressure, pulse, and respirations. Non-verbal body language such as facial grimace, moaning or guarded posturing may indicate pain in an uncomplaining but suffering vetran. It is essential to establish treatment on several fronts. Medically, you need to find the source of your pain and be treated. Emotional and spiritual needs are essential to your well being also. You may need a pain specialist in addition to your Vet Center counselor and primary care provider. Vet centers staff are available to make referrals within the vet system and in the community. It is very hard to be patient when you are in pain, but help is on the way.
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What can I do to cope with my chronic pain? You can be sure you have seen medical professionals for good treatment so you know why you are in pain. If you are told emotional pain is causing you physical pain, the unconditional support you will find at the Vet Center will be very helpful for you and your family. Chronic pain may respond to exercise such as walking, swimming, or biking. Be sure to get exercise such as walking, swimming, or biking. Be sure to get approval from your primary care provider before you begin any exercise program. In some cases physical therapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, abdominal breathing, visualization, guided imagery, mediation or yoga ar beneficial in helping you learn to relax so you can better control the pain. Each of these interventions has proven effective with chronic pain. You will have to see what can work for you. Adequate rest is sometimes a difficult goal but a worthy one as fatigue makes fighting pain much more difficult. Using stress reduction techniques is important as it encourages relaxation. If the veteran can become more relaxed physically and emotionally the pain level should decrease. Medication may be helpful and needed. The Vet Center staff can refer you to the appropriate proefessionals. Remember that you are never alone.
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