Guide to Arthritis Pain

Pain Cycle

The long-term goal of pain management is to help you cope with a chronic, often disabling disease. You may be caught in a cycle of pain, depression, and stress. To break out of this cycle, you need to be an active participant with the doctor and other health care professionals in managing your pain. This may include:

Self-Help Courses

The Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Center at Stanford University, supported by NIAMS, has developed an Arthritis Self-Help Course that teaches people with arthritis how to take a more active part in their arthritis care. The Arthritis Self-Help Course is taught by the Arthritis Foundation.

An Active Role

Self-help courses can teach you more about:

Manage Your Arthritis Pain

Things you can do to better manage your arthritis pain.

Related Resources

_{Source: NIH Publication No. 01-4856 (edited)}

Index: Guide to Arthritis Pain

1. Part 1 of 10 - What is Arthritis? What is Pain?
2. Part 2 of 10 - How Many Americans Have Arthritis Pain?
3. Part 3 of 10 - What Causes Arthritis Pain? Why is Arthritis Pain So Variable?
4. Part 4 of 10 - How Do Doctors Measure Arthritis Pain?
5. Part 5 of 10 - Your First Doctor Visit for Your Arthritis Pain, What Happens?
6. Part 6 of 10 - Who Can Treat Arthritis Pain? How is Arthritis Pain Treated?
7. Part 7 of 10 - Treatments for Short-Term Pain Relief
8. Part 8 of 10 - Treatments for Long-Term Pain Relief
9. Part 9 of 10 - What Alternative Therapies May Relieve Arthritis Pain?
10. Part 10 of 10 - How Can You Cope With Arthritis Pain?