Postherpetic Neuralgia Questions you Have….
Answers You Need!

 Resource to Help You Cope
with Chronic Pain

Helpful Advice From the American Chronic Pain Association

QUESTION: What is the American Chronic Pain Association?

ANSWER: The American Chronic Pain Association is a non profit, tax exempt organization.

QUESTION: In what countries does the American Chronic Pain Association have established chapters?

ANSWER: The American Chronic Pain Association has chapters the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, England, Ireland, Scotland, India, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

QUESTION: For how long has the American Chronic Pain Association been active?

ANSWER: For over twenty years.

QUESTION: How can the American Chronic Pain Association help me?

ANSWER: You will be glad to know that even though living with chronic pain is difficult, it is possible.

The American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) will:

i) help you understand how as a chronic pain sufferer, you can begin to take critical steps to regain control of your life and become a person, not a patient, once again.

ii) Provide a support system for you.

iii) help you deal with pain in a positive way.

iv) offer a helping hand and a friendly ear, if you are willing to help yourself.

v) provide books, tapes, CD’s, videos and a chronicle four times a year.

QUESTION: What is the mission of the American Chronic Pain association?

ANSWER: The mission of the American Chronic Pain Association is…

* To facilitate peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families so that these individuals may live more fully in spite of their pain.

* To raise awareness about issues of living with chronic pain among the health care community, policy makers, and the public at large.

The isolation and fear that can overwhelm you because of the chronic pain grows over time. Your return to a fuller, more rewarding life will also take time.  But your continuing commitment, and the support of others who understand chronic pain, will make it possible.

To help you on your journey from patient to person, the American Chronic Pain Association suggested 10 important steps…

STEP ONE: Accept The Pain – Learn all you can about PHN.

STEP TWO: Get Involved – take an active role in your own recovery.

STEP THREE: Learn To Set Priorities – look beyond your pain to the things that are important in your life.

STEP FOUR: Set Realistic Goals – set goals that are within your power to accomplish, and take time to enjoy your successes.

STEP FIVE: Know Your Basic Rights – among other rights, you have the right to be treated with respect, and to say no without guilt.

STEP SIX: Recognize your emotions – your emotions directly affect your physical well being. By acknowledging and dealing with your feelings, you can reduce stress and reduce the pain you feel.

STEP SEVEN: Learn to Relax – relaxation exercises are one way of reclaiming control of your body.

STEP EIGHT: Exercise – unused muscles feel more pain than toned, flexible ones. As you build strength, your pain will decrease, and you will feel better about yourself.

STEP NINE: See The Total Picture – you will grow stronger as you focus on your abilities, not your disabilities.

STEP TEN: Reach Out – once you have begun to find ways to manage your chronic pain problem, reach out and share what you know.

Pain management can make a significant difference in your life. However, you must realize that much of what you gain from the association will be up to you. Their program should help to restore your ability to function and enjoy life.

To learn more about managing chronic pain or to locate an ACPA group near you…

Call the National Office at (916) 632-0922 or Write to:

The ACPA
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677 or
Visit their web site at http://www.theacpa.org