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Supporting someone living with pain

Pain can easily be misjudged by those who are not experiencing the pain firsthand, and their condition may change from day to day.

An individual may sound better or look healthy but in reality, that person may be struggling to seem normal. For loved ones and friends of someone who is living with pain, it can be overwhelming. But there are many ways they can provide support.

Two women sitting at a table talking.

Empathy

Active listening can help friends, family, and work colleagues listen to, become aware of, and be compassionate toward the feelings of individuals living with pain. Strengthening relationships with your most trusted network, rather than removing yourself to isolation, is critical to effectively managing pain.

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Support network

A support network can help individuals who are feeling isolated, misunderstood, or depressed. By empathising, sharing a positive outlook, and engaging in social activities, individuals living with pain may benefit from a reduction in their perception of pain.

Father and daughter washing dishes in a kitchen sink.

Physical support

Helping with physical activities such as laundry, vacuuming, and grocery shopping can provide pain relief and give an individual time for physical and mental rehabilitation.

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Validation

Pain is a condition where many symptoms are invisible to others. Validation communicates an understanding and acceptance of others’ experiences. Both are critical to building a trusting and supportive relationship for individuals experiencing life with pain.

A woman working on a laptop.

Education

Patient education and self-management are critical to helping clinical decision making that results in the best pain management outcomes. The more information that you can share with your doctor (eg, pain journal, symptom awareness), the sooner you are likely to find the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Disclaimer and endnotes: 

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

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Individual symptoms, situations, circumstances and results may vary. This quiz is meant for information purposes only, it is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. This site is intended for Australian residents only. Please review the Boston Scientific Privacy Policy, for practices on the collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information.

Content of videos are for Information Purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. BSC strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions.

Talk to your healthcare professional about whether this product may be suitable for you as part of your overall plan to manage chronic pain. The WaveWriter Alpha System is not a first-line treatment for chronic intractable pain.

Surgery is required in order to use the WaveWriter Alpha System and any surgical procedure carries risk. Outcomes may vary for each patient. Patients should consult their healthcare professional about factors that could impact their response.

CAUTION: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com.

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