Create a flare-up plan
People with chronic pain will have flare-ups, a worsening of their pain. Preparing for this inevitable event helps get through it. There are several ways that this can be approached. Writing down your pain treatment plans for the "everyday" pain and the flare-up pain can assist with assuring confidence that you can get through this. Identifying more than just medications to get through a flare and making those plans very detailed can give you the control back. For example:
- Medication: What medication and dose
- Call a friend: Who and their phone number
- Watch a movie: Which one and where to get it
- Stretch: Which exercises
- Lie down: How long and do what
