People suffering from chronic pain often get frustrated with the lack of progress and the sense of loss of control. Physical and emotional state of mind can intensify the symptoms of pain. Learn to control stress and get back into control of your body.

Surveys and Research Reports over the past two decades reveal that:

• 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects due to stress.
• 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints or disorders.
• Stress has been linked to all the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, cirrhosis and suicide.
• An estimated 1 million workers are absent on an average workday because of stress-related complaints.
• Stress is said to be responsible for more than half of the 550,000,000 workdays lost annually because of absenteeism.
• A three-year study conducted by a large corporation showed that 60% of employee absences were due to psychological problems such as stress. Nearly half of all American workers suffer from symptoms of burnout, a disabling reaction to stress on the job.
• There are numerous stress management techniques that can be of benefit such as appropriate exercise, diet, nutrition, relaxation, massage therapy and medications.

• Find supportive and understanding friends. Avoid relationships with people with negative attitudes. Join a good support group in your community and online.
• Relax - Try to set aside 15 to 20 minutes several times a day for undisturbed time. Relax in your favorite chair and listen to soft music. If you prefer yoga and/or meditation can be beneficial.
• Take care of yourself physically. Set up a regular exercise program. Your physician and/or physical therapy can help you with a program that is best for you. How often one should exercise varies among individual. Richard Simmons was once ask how often one should exercise and his reply was," If you eat daily, you should exercise daily".
• Eat properly and on schedule. Avoid excessive use of caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid stressful situations. Develop a positive attitude and laugh frequently.
• Be polite, you’ll like yourself better. 
• Be well groomed, you’ll feel better.
• Be flexible, adapt to change. Be spontaneous and learn to enjoy life day by day.
• Take responsibility for yourself. 
• Spirituality, go to church.