LEARNING TO MASTER YOUR CHRONIC PAIN: A PATIENT HANDBOOK



TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Goals of Mastering Chronic Pain
Will a Pain Program Work for Me?

CHAPTER 1:  PHYSIOLOGY OF PAIN

Acute Versus Chronic Pain
Medical Assessment of Pain Problems
Gate Control Theory
Factors Influencing Pain

CHAPTER 2:  RELAXATION TRAINING

Diaphragmatic Breathing
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Autogenic Relaxation
Self-Hypnosis
Biofeedback
Cue-Controlled Relaxation

CHAPTER 3:  EXERCISE AND PAIN

Introduction
What is Fitness?
Types of Exercises
Your Personal Exercise Program
General Stretching Guidelines
Stretching Diagrams

CHAPTER 4:  POSTURE AND BODY MECHANICS

Introduction
What is Good Posture?
Clothing and Posture
Posture Diagrams
Clothing and Posture Worksheet
Activity List

CHAPTER 5:  THE ROLE OF MEDICATION IN CHRONIC PAIN

Problems Associated With Pain Medication
Classes of Pain Medication

CHAPTER 6:  STRESS AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Introduction
Stress Management Checklist

CHAPTER 7:  SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND PAIN

Introduction
Getting to Sleep
Strategies to Improve Sleep
Sleep Diary

CHAPTER 8:  "COMFORT MEASURES" FOR PAIN

Introduction

CHAPTER 9:  ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING

Introduction
Styles of Communication
Communicating Assertively: Two Sample Scenarios

Improving Your Ability to Communicate About Your Pain

CHAPTER 10:  POSITIVE THINKING

Introduction
How Irrational Thoughts Are Born
Overcoming Irrational Thoughts
Inventory of Negative Thoughts in Response to Pain

CHAPTER 11:  PAIN AND DEPRESSION

Introduction
Types of Depression
The Link Between Chronic Pain and Depression
Treatment of Depression

CHAPTER 12:  PROBLEM SOLVING

Introduction
Steps for SOLVE-Problems
The SOLVE-Problems Worksheet

CHAPTER 13:  VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Introduction
Assessing Your Need for Vocational Rehabilitation
What Rehabilitation Counselors Do
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Benefits of Rehabilitation: A Summary

CHAPTER 14:  PAIN AND SEXUAL ISSUES

Introduction
Approaching the Problem
Choosing a Position
Considering Alternatives
Getting Help

CHAPTER 15:  WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION

Introduction
Factors in Weight-Control Problems
Tips for Weight Management
Individual Weight Management Goal Sheet

CHAPTER 16:  PROBLEMS WITH MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION

Introduction
Dealing With Memory Problems

CHAPTER 17:  HUMOR, HAPPINESS, AND PAIN

Meaning of Happiness
Search for Happiness

CHAPTER 18:  HOW TO BE "SMART" ABOUT YOUR PAIN

Introduction

CHAPTER 19:  HOW TO GET THE MOST HELP FROM THE MEDICAL SYSTEM

Introduction

CHAPTER 20:  SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Support: Good or Bad?
Family Support Issues
Community Support Issues
Spiritual Support Issues
What Can Be Done to Improve Your Support
Social Support Questionnaire

CHAPTER 21:  HOW TO PREVENT RELAPSE

Introduction
Two Scenarios

Key Questions
Steps in Preventing a Relapse
Relapse Prevention Worksheet

CHAPTER 22:  WHAT TO DO TO MAINTAIN THE GAINS

Introduction

APPENDICES

Appendix A:  Daily Pain Rating Scale
Appendix B:  Daily Activity Record
Appendix C:  Weekly Activity Record
Appendix D:  Exercise Record
Appendix E:  Medication Record
Appendix F:  Daily Food Diary
Appendix G:  Follow-Up Plan of Care
Appendix H:  Americans With Disabilities Act Outline

SUBJECT INDEX