We asked our community: what advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with chronic pain? Here’s what they shared.

What Physical Therapy Can Do for Chronic Pain -Physical therapists help you move in safe ways -Physical therapy focuses on small, realistic goals with guidance on when to work through discomfort and when to stop -You’ll learn better ways to move, lift, and use your body with less strain

If the test is normal but the patient is still suffering, the work isn’t done.

Who might benefit from neuromodulation? Conditions commonly treated with this therapy include: •Back and leg pain •Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) •Nerve pain from surgery, injury, or diabetes •Pelvic or abdominal pain •Neck, shoulder, and facial pain Read on: https://stanford.io/3XKrsoQ

The “4 Ps” of chronic pain treatment •Physical therapy •Pharmacology •Procedures •Psychological support

Believe people living with pain.

As adults age, it is normal for sleep architecture to shift. Patients may report lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier morning awakenings, or prolonged sleep latency. Additionally, older adults generally spend less time in deep (slow-wave) and REM sleep, which can reduce subjective sleep quality.

Some used to think fibromyalgia was closely linked to anxiety and depression. But the latest research shows that’s not really the case. Recent data suggests that people with fibromyalgia don’t have higher rates of depression or anxiety than people with other pain problems.

Fibromyalgia affects approximately 4 million adults in the US (about 2% of the adult population)

What if your doctors could try out treatments on your digital twin before you even take them?

Hurt vs Harm: Knowing the difference between them is critical in pain management.

Three pain types and what they mean 1. Nociceptive Pain This is the most common type of physical pain and refers to harmful or noxious stimuli (an injury) which activate receptors (nociceptors) in the body that send a warning signal of potential or actual harm.

Heat and Cold for Pain Cold -Reduces inflammation & slows nerve firing → less pain -Numbs an area effectively -Use carefully to avoid frostbite -Regular, safe exposure can increase pain thresholds over time Heat -Boosts blood flow -Relaxes muscles -Feels good & can reduce perceived pain

Patients deserve the truth. If a procedure is painful, they should be told upfront—and offered options for pain relief.