Chronic pain comes in many different forms and affects many parts of the body (i.e. back, knees, neck, legs, head, feet and arms). Just as there are multiple types of chronic pain, there are a wide variety of treatment options from medication to hands-on techniques. Effective pain treatment requires an individualized pain management program created through patient and physician collaboration. The AOA campaign focuses on empowering individuals to take charge of their health with a couple of simple steps:

Visit the AOA website and take advantage of new pain assessment tools that can help you describe and track your pain   “ Living in Pain? Quiz and Break Through The Pain! Assessment Tool/Patient Journal available at www.osteopathic Make an appointment to speak with your physician about your pain “ remember, ignoring or under-treating your pain can lead to more pain “ creating a debilitating cycle. Work with your physician to come up with an individualized treatment plan that meets your needs “ managing chronic pain is not a "one size fits all" diagnosis. Follow your personalized pain management/treatment plan “ sticking to a treatment plan will pay off in the long-run.

"People shouldn't suffer from pain in silence. Finding a physician who will take the time to listen and create a plan that works for your specific issue is an essential first step for breaking through your pain," said Karen J. Nichols, DO, president of the American Osteopathic Association. "Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained to treat the whole person and are skilled at working with patients to develop individualized pain management plans. DOs work with patients to determine what regimen will work best, offer guidance in terms of treatment options and track their progress over time."

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association