Chronic pain

June 23rd, 2008 at 11:06am Leslie Aalund

Chronic pain is very complex, it invades every aspect of a person’s life.  A person with chronic pain not only has the experience of the physical distress, but psychological, social and emotional distress accompanies this illness.  Then, add to it the financial burden this may cause.  The chronicity of the physical distress is a constant reminder of the life changing effects pain has created. 

SwedishAmerican Hospital began hosting the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) Support Group in April of 2006.  The group meets on the second Monday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30, in Conference Room D.  The ACPA mission is “To facilitate peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families so that these individuals may live more fully in spite of their pain.”

 More people suffer from chronic pain than cancer and heart disease combined.  Research has shown that a person’s beliefs and coping skills can positively or negatively impact the experience of pain.  If individuals can think differently about their pain, they may gain a sense of control over it, instead of pain controlling them.  

For information regarding the chronic pain support group contact Beth Moore, Facilitator.   (815) 247-8885

For more information regarding chronic pain go to www.theacpa.org  

Entry Filed under: Pain Management