Living with chronic pain is a daily challenge, but some people manage to regain balance and a good quality of life. What are their secrets?
In the face of chronic pain, some people manage to maintain a good quality of life despite the daily challenges. What are their strategies? That’s the question explored by several QPRN members, including Laval University professor Mélanie Bérubé, in a study of 25 people living with this condition for an average of 12 years. The results reveal three key elements that promote better adaptation to chronic pain.
Establishing a partnership with healthcare professionals
Those who succeed in managing their pain better have been able to count on attentive healthcare professionals, who have helped them develop a toolbox for coping with pain and ensured continuity of care, a key element in times of crisis.
Surround yourself with a caring environment
The study also shows the importance of strong social support, whether in the form of flexible employers, understanding relatives or support groups that break the isolation often felt by people living with chronic pain.
Adapt your expectations and move forward
Finally, it seems necessary to mourn the loss of one’s previous life and adjust one’s expectations in order to regain balance. People with a good quality of life have been able to redefine their goals and discover new sources of fulfillment despite their limitations.
These findings offer valuable pointers for people living with pain, healthcare professionals and loved ones to improve pain management on a daily basis.
