As players on the stage of life, we sometimes get handed scripts we aren't expecting. That's certainly true when chronic pain takes a leading role in everyday living. However, you have the power to limit the part pain plays in your life. You can direct the action in four pain-management acts:

Act 1: Gather information

You probably already know plenty about chronic pain. You may be aware that chronic pain:

• Is any pain that lasts six months or longer.
• Interferes with your ability to enjoy life.

But do you know how many types of treatments are available? Do you know which health care professionals can help you? The more you know, the closer you come to bringing down the curtain on pain.

Faith Regional Pain Management specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all different types of pain. Our physicians use interventional pain procedures to treat:

• Abdominal Pain
• Back & Neck Pain
• Cancer-Related Pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint Pain
• Migraines & Facial Pain
• Nerve Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Sciatica
• Spinal Pain

Act 2: Meet with your doctor

Our pain management specialists will help determine the cause of your pain. You may undergo imaging tests or electrodiagnostic procedures. Finding a specific cause for your pain will help determine your treatment.

Act 3: Create a plan

Our pain management providers will work together to help you put a strategy into place. They also work closely with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Neurology and other services to provide you with well-rounded pain care. Your script for pain management may draw upon a variety of treatment options. Your plan could include a combination of:

• Medications
• Injectables
• Nerve blocks
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Implantable devices
• Minimally-invasive lumbar decompression

Act 4: Follow-through

Making progress means committing to your plan and continually acting on it. That's not always easy. It means you need to manage your stress, stay active and find a support network among friends and family. But it can be done. And the rewards are great--pain may still play a part in your life, but it won't run the show.

Sources: American Chronic Pain Association; American Psychological Association; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke