10 People With Chronic Pain Share Their Best Advice

1. Vent your feelings in a diary

“I did a mental health course during which I was encouraged to write my feelings down. I found it very helpful when it came to coping with the pain from my fibromyalgia and arthritis. It’s therapeutic to let out anger and frustration without worrying that people are judging you.”

Janis, Lisburn

2. Watch subtitled films to take your mind off the pain

3. Take the scenic route to keep stress levels down

4. Seek out physiotherapy designed for your condition

“I’m having physiotherapy because I ended up with damage in my ligaments and pelvic wall following five operations for endometriosis and one for problems with my bladder. The physio was designed for the difficulties my conditions have created. It’s been really helpful.”

Robyn, Newtownards

5. Don’t feel guilty for making yourself comfy

6. Try electromagnetic pulse therapy – it may help with some conditions

7. Get an electrical heat pad that can switch itself off

“I have endometriosis and I used to be so attached to my hot water bottle that I ended up with burns on my tummy. An electrical heat pad was my saving grace. It has a long cable so I can use it in bed and it even turns itself off after a certain amount of time. I wore my last one out!”

Robyn, Newtownards

8. Give yoga a try for back pain

Studies show that if you keep it gentle, yoga can help to soothe lower back pain and make you more flexible. Check our 7 yoga tips that will help you cope with chronic pain here.

9. Try a home remedy but check with your doctor first

10. See a pain management specialist if you can

“When I went to a pain specialist in the City Hospital in Belfast, he explained how pain signals travel more slowly to the brain than sensations. As a result of that insight, I realised that if I wear a set of wristbands, I feel like I have less pain in my body. It really helped.”

Janis, Lisburn