How to Support a Loved One with Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain is a constant struggle. For chronic pain sufferers, even small tasks can be daunting, exhausting ordeals. Painful conditions can also be invisible to those around an individual who is suffering. If your loved one is suffering from chronic pain, you may be wondering how you can help, or what you should do to show your support. That’s why our Texas pain specialists in San Antonio have compiled a list of tips on how to support a loved one with chronic pain, according to chronic pain sufferers.

1. Try to listen, rather than offering unsolicited advice.

Anyone who is living with chronic pain has been advised by a well-meaning friend, providing suggestions such as, “You should try yoga!” If only solving chronic pain were so simple. To help your loved one, try to listen and acknowledge their feelings without offering to fix the problem by saying, “You really ought to see this pain specialist near me / my chiropractor / these chronic pain management doctors near me / etc.”

2. Be mindful of your words.

Chronic pain is often an invisible illness, despite how debilitating it is for sufferers. Avoid saying things like, “You look fine to me!” or “You don’t look sick,” because these statements can be interpreted as minimizing rather than comforting. Another one to avoid: “Things could be worse!” Similarly, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re offering sympathy rather than pity. Chronic pain can give rise to feelings of powerlessness, and many sufferers would rather not be on the receiving end of phrases like “you poor thing!”

3. Ask how you can help—and then follow through.

It’s tempting to say, “Let me know if I can help,” but it’s better to ask how you can help in a concrete way right now rather than making a vague promise to help in the future. It’s also important to ask your loved one how you can help, to listen to their response, and then follow through. They may ask you to accompany them to doctors’ appointments or to check in with them, or maybe simply to let them carry their own grocery bags without expressing worry. Whatever they say, make sure to follow through by helping them on their own terms.

4. Check out a support group.

If you live and care for someone dealing with chronic pain, it’s easy to struggle with feelings of helplessness and frustration from time to time. Support groups for caregivers can offer you a place to deal with your emotions, to discuss how to support a loved one with chronic pain, and to speak with others who can relate to your experiences. Remember, taking care of yourself first will ultimately help you better care for your loved one.

Are You or a Loved One Suffering from Chronic Pain? Contact Dr. Raul Martinez

If you’re the person suffering from chronic pain, and you’re wondering, “How do I find a pain specialist near me?” of “Who are the best chronic pain management doctors near me?” then Dr. Raul Martinez and his staff may be able to help you manage your symptoms. Our San Antonio pain specialists have been helping patients with chronic pain management for more than 18 years, and we provide customized treatment plans for each and every one of our patients. We offer the latest advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and we want to help each and every patient achieve the best possible quality of life. We firmly believe that although pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

At the offices of Dr. Raul Martinez, we treat a myriad of conditions resulting in both acute and chronic pain. Contact us today with any questions you may have, or begin filling out your patient forms online to request an appointment.