Patient Education Program

Living Well with Chronic Pain is a 10-week program whereby physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals volunteer their time and expertise to help patients learn how to control pain and minimize its effects on their quality of life. 

The next class will begin on March 10.

Research has shown that individuals who know more about their healthcare needs are better able to make informed decisions and become partners in their treatment plan.

Families and friends may also experience difficulties coping with the chronic pain of their loved ones. The more family members understand about pain, the better they will be able to deal with the challenges that are presented.

Living Well with Chronic Pain is free and open to UCSD patients. You need to be the patient of a provider at the UCSD Pain Clinic and we need to do a screen with you (brief psychological interview) before guaranteeing participation in the group. Classes are held at  UCSD Thornton Hospital in La Jolla.

To register, call Erin Grimes, 619-543-3422, ext. 2.

Topics include:  

• What is Pain? - This session includes a broad overview of pain and also includes information on the services provided by the UCSD Center for Pain and Palliative Medicine.  
• Surgical Procedures - This session discusses the various surgical and invasive procedures available, including injections, nerve blocks, implantable stimulators and implantable pumps. 
• Medications Used to Treat Pain - This session includes information on medications currently used for treating pain. 
• Body Work - This session includes the role of body mechanics, exercise and the use of massage in treating pain.  
• Body-Mind Connection - This session includes the role of complementary therapies in treating chronic pain, specifically acupuncture, aromatherapy and harp music therapy. 
• Pain and Emotions - This session includes the role of emotions in dealing with the challenges of chronic pain.  
• Healthy Soul - This session includes the role of nondenominational spirituality and its role in coping with chronic pain issues.