There are many 'complementary' health approaches for managing chronic pain. While some of these treatments may be difficult to access in rural areas it's worth asking your health care provider about their availability. Some of these techniques can be practiced at home and many resources can be found online. A good online resource for individuals living with pain is the American Chronic Pain Association at www.acpanow.com.

These approaches include:

• Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to relieve pain.
• Biofeedback helps you learn to control your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This may help reduce your pain and stress level.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of short-term counseling that may help reduce your reaction to pain.
• Distraction can help you cope with pain by learning new skills that may take your mind off your discomfort.
• Electrical nerve stimulation uses electrical impulses in order to relieve pain.
• Guided imagery uses directed thoughts to create mental pictures that may help you relax, manage anxiety, sleep better, and have less pain.
• Massage therapy can release tension in tight muscles.
• Physical therapy uses a variety of techniques to help manage everyday activities with less pain and teaches you ways to improve flexibility and strength.