Pain is a common occurrence following an injury, illness, or traumatic event like a motor vehicle accident. While pain does play an important role in alerting us to potential dangers, injury, or an impending problem, it can also become a significant barrier to function as it can often continue long after the dangerous situation resolves.
Chronic pain is difficult to treat and manage because of all the different factors that contribute to its intensity, frequency, and the many variables that can make it better or worse. Stress, depression, feelings of loss of control, pressures at work or home, and other mental or emotional factors affect pain perception.
Occupational Therapists often recommend keeping track of the intensity of your pain and the activities and/or variables which may have contributed. Use this printable pain diary to help you and your healthcare provider monitor and manage your chronic pain.
Learn more about how Occupational Therapists help provide solutions for people living with Chronic Pain in our post: Chronic Pain a Problem? Try OT.
For more helpful tools visit our Printable Resources page.