Living Well with Pain

Living with chronic pain can take a lot from us and can be challenging to manage on our own. Here you will find the resources and support you need on your journey to living well with pain.

Resources: 

1. Learn about how pain works

Get a head start on understanding pain and how to live well with it! Check out the following online pain toolkits: 

• Pain Health—easing musculoskeletal pain
• Pain BC
• Tame the Beast—It’s time to rethink persistent pain

2. Want some more ideas for pain management?  

Could you use some more pain management strategies? Here are some ideas to help you live well with pain: 

• Living Well with Pain Toolkit
• Get started using some of these strategies:
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: click here to experience a full body muscle relaxation practice
  • Mindfulness: interested in learning more about mindfulness? Click here to watch a Ted talk and then try out some mindfulness meditations 
  • Low energy levels? Click here to learn some strategies to conserve the energy that you do have. 

3. Start moving well with pain!

• Moving your body is a key strategy to live well with pain.  If you begin to feel unwell when exercising, please stop. If you have any concerns about your safety, please talk to your health care provider first.
• There are many movement options, including yoga, which has been found to have benefits for people with persistent pain. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • There are certain movements or postures to avoid if you have certain conditions, such as:
    • If you have high blood pressure, or are feeling dizzy, nauseous or light-headed, avoid any movements involved with lowering your head below your heart
    • If you are having a hard time breathing, focus on the belly breathing and blowing out slowly. Avoid poses that involve bending your trunk forward
    • If you have low bone density (osteoporosis) or previous fractures in your spine, avoid rounding your spine or doing deep twists
  • When moving, safety is key! Use the supports you need (such as a chair/counter for any standing positions) and listen to your body. Respect your limits.
  • Ready to start? Here are some mindful movement/yoga videos created at Compass:
    • A seated yoga class - Go with the Flow yoga
      • Introuction 
      • Warm Up
      • Exercise 1
      • Exercise 2
      • Breathing
      • Sun Salutation
      • Relaxation
    • A back pain yoga class - Back to it yoga
      • Videos coming soon
• During this COVID 19 pandemic, Neil Pearson (Physiotherapist) and other health profressionals are providing free gentle movement and relaxation classes. Click here to learn more.

4. Get connected with others living well with pain. Join one of our Compass groups:

• Chair Yoga
• Back to It
• Mind over Body
• Mindfulness—Freedom to Be