Goals for people with chronic pain should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstance. For some, the goal may be to manage pain and reduce its impact on daily life. For others, the goal may be to enhance quality of life by reducing pain and increasing activity levels.
The following are some common goals that may be suitable for people with chronic pain:
1. Developing a better understanding of the pain experience, its cause, and associated beliefs and feelings.
2. Developing skills to cope with physical and emotional pain symptoms.
3. Establishing a regular exercise routine to maintain physical fitness, strength, and flexibility.
4. Creating a balance between activity and rest to reduce physical and emotional stress.
5. Finding ways to stay engaged and connected with family, friends, and community.
6. Setting realistic and achievable activity goals.
7. Improving sleep patterns and quality of sleep.
8. Developing positive self-talk and constructive problem-solving skills.
9. Learning relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
10. Working with a healthcare team to identify and access treatments that improve symptoms.
Ultimately, the goal of treatment for chronic pain is to help the individual achieve better quality of life, including improved physical and emotional functioning, increased activity levels, and a decrease in pain-related distress. With the help of a supportive healthcare team, individuals can work towards achieving their goals and living a life of balance and well-being.