Living Well with Chronic Pain

 

What is Living Well with Chronic Pain?

 

Chronic pain is often defined as any pain lasting more
than 12 weeks. Whereas acute pain is a normal sensation
that alerts us to possible injury, chronic pain is very
different. It persists, often for months or even longer. 

 

Having a chronic pain can make life a challenge but
you can learn to live well!

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Living Well with Chronic Pain classes will help you
discover practical ways to live better and healthier. 

 

Participants learn about effective, non-pharmacological
strategies for symptom management and general
wellness by using action-planning, brainstorming
and problem-solving to identify and pursue goals
for health and life. 

 

Each session includes six, two and a half hour, classes 
for a small group led by two trained facilitators.

 

This nationally recognized program was developed
by Stanford University Program Administrator, Kate Lorig.

 

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During the class, participants learn:

• Techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, isolation and poor sleep

• Exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance

• Appropriate use of medication

• How to communicate effectively with family and health care professionals

• Proper nutrition

• How to evaluate new treatments

• Pacing activity and rest

 

 

Who Should Attend Living Well with Chronic Pain Class?

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The program was designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who:

• Have a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain (e.g., pain lasting longer than 3 to 6 months or beyond the normal healing of an injury)

• Have chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., LBP), fibromyalgia and/or neuropathic pain

• Are able to engage in group discussion

• Feel socially isolated and/or depressed due to pain

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This class is not appropriate for individuals who will disrupt group dynamics
or for those acutely incapacitated by severe illness or physical limitations.

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To find out more information about these services call the Senior LinkAge Line at (800) 333-2433!