Non-pharmacological approaches to manage chronic pain

Self-management is fundamental to improving an individual’s chronic pain experience. People’s preferences and choices should be explored, and clinicians should offer non-pharmacological resources and services to develop a personalised plan. Non-pharmacological approaches to pain management involve a wide range of lifestyle factors including activity, mental health, stress, sleep, social connection and nutrition. These methods can be used alone or to complement pharmacological management. 

Chronic pain can affect every aspect of daily life. The pain management jigsaw (shown in the image below) illustrates different approaches proven to be helpful in improving pain management. The content of each piece of the jigsaw is provided in the list below the image.

Pain management jigsaw