http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org webmaster@nationalpainfoundation.org http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/ NPF Blog - nationalpainfoundation.org en webmaster@nationalpainfoundation.org http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/graphics/logo-small.gif http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/59/barriers-to-pain-medications-highlighted http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/59/barriers-to-pain-medications-highlighted http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/59/barriers-to-pain-medications-highlighted Mon 07 Dec 2009 22:26:17 GMT “Painkiller crisis: Patients needlessly living and dying in pain,” highlights the difficulties people in end-of-life care and those suffering from chronic pain encounter when they attempt to access pain medications. Access to care and safely using opioids are important issues for people living with pain. Read the blog post to learn more about the issues surrounding accessto opioids in treating severe pain and learn how you can protect yourself and others.

]]> http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/58/laughter-therapy:-putting-the-“hee-hee”-in-healing http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/58/laughter-therapy:-putting-the-“hee-hee”-in-healing http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/58/laughter-therapy:-putting-the-“hee-hee”-in-healing Fri 02 Oct 2009 15:42:48 GMT
For more information about this using laughter to help cope, read Norman Cousins’ groundbreaking work on the subject, Anatomy of an Illness, or visit the web site of the nonprofit group, Rx Laughter.



]]> http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/57/seeking-study-participants---men-and-minorities http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/57/seeking-study-participants---men-and-minorities http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/57/seeking-study-participants---men-and-minorities Thu 09 Jul 2009 18:47:37 GMT
The project is funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The researchers are requesting help from 308 persons with chronic pain to test the program. The online program will be offered to you at no cost. The program will take six weeks to complete. You will be asked to fill out a set of online questionnaires on three occasions: prior to the program, immediately after completion, and three months after completion. The questionnaires contain questions concerning your current pain history and experience, your pain attitudes and coping strategies, your use of health care services, your physical activity level, and your emotional well-being. In addition, you will be asked to answer questions about the content of the program to determine how well you have learned the material. Brief (5 minute) daily assessments will also be required. You will receive $75 as compensation for your time in completing all assessments.

To qualify, please review the consent form at http://painmanagement.speedsurvey.com. You must have access to a computer with internet access, be between the ages of 18-80, and be able to speak, read, and write English. If you have questions or concerns about the study, you can contact Dr. Linda Ruehlman at LRuehlman@cox.net.
]]> http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/56/have-you-participated-in-a-chronic-pain-"boot-camp?" http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/56/have-you-participated-in-a-chronic-pain-"boot-camp?" http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/56/have-you-participated-in-a-chronic-pain-"boot-camp?" Wed 24 Jun 2009 18:40:16 GMT Mayo Clinic and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, among others - are gaining in popularity and we want to hear from anyone who's attended one. What was your experience like? Would you recommend it to others? What was the most valuable part? The least valuable? Have you had lasting benefits? Let us know! Contact us with your story today.
]]> http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/55/the-link-between-headaches-and-sinus-conditions http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/55/the-link-between-headaches-and-sinus-conditions http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/55/the-link-between-headaches-and-sinus-conditions Tue 09 Jun 2009 21:05:20 GMT
You may have a sinus headache if you have the following symptoms. (Chances are you will not experience all, or even most, sinus headache characteristics.)

• Dull or aching pain generally located in the front of the face and forehead.
• Pain ranges from mild to severe.
• Pain relief typically occurs when fluids are drained from the sinus cavity.

A thorough medical examination is needed to make sure you are, indeed, suffering from a sinus infection-related headache. Headaches caused by acute sinusitis typically are relieved when the sinus infections are cleared up using oral antibiotics. Chronic or recurring sinus infections may require intravenous antibiotics or surgically draining the sinus cavity, which in turn should relieve your headache.

Learn more about sinus headaches and migraine in our diseases and conditions area.
]]> http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/54/neurostimulator-for-pain-in-the-news http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/54/neurostimulator-for-pain-in-the-news http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/54/neurostimulator-for-pain-in-the-news Wed 13 May 2009 16:34:13 GMT The Denver Post recently highlighted National Pain Foundation Board member Dr. Giancarlo Barolat's use of neurostimulators to treat chronic pain conditions. Dr. Barolat, a neurosurgeon at Denver's Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, treats patients from around the world, implanting neurostimulator devices to relieve chronic pain. Read more about neurostimulation and Dr. Barolat's work in The Denver Post. 

]]> http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/53/dealing-with-stress-and-pain http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/53/dealing-with-stress-and-pain http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/blog/53/dealing-with-stress-and-pain Fri 08 May 2009 19:47:42 GMT

Identify specific stressors in your life (i.e., those events that cause you to become "stressed").

Decide if the stressors are things you have some control over or if they are beyond your control. Focus on what you can control and try to turn stress into energy that can be directed toward growth, possibility and change.

Learn to live with what you cannot control. (If you try to control what you can't possibly control, you will become overwhelmed and frustrated).

Use healthy and positive coping techniques when a stressor is beyond your control.

Practice relaxation techniques, including taking walks, deep breathing, listening to music and other personal coping skills you can rely on in times of stress.

Be an active part of a social support network; give support when you can and don't be afraid to ask for support when you need it.

Keep your sense of humor!

“Let it go."

Reducing stress and adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors will help you feel better both mentally and physically. For more information, check out our Pain and Mental Health section.

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