Pain can keep you from taking part in your normal activities, including going to work or having fun with family or friends. Occupational therapy helps provide skills and strategies to help manage pain, so it interferes less with daily life — allowing you to engage in your life even if full pain relief isn't possible.

Occupational therapists may suggest using assistive tools, such as a walking cane or a jar opener, to help compensate for skills that may be impaired by your pain or disability. Sometimes the work or home environment can be changed to make tasks easier.

• Changing your mindset

Psychological counselors often can help you view your pain differently, which can help you develop better-coping skills so that you can feel more in control of your situation.

• Tension and stress can exacerbate your pain, so relaxation techniques such as meditation and guided imagery may be useful.

• Support groups, either online or in person, provide access to people who are facing similar situations so that you can share concerns and coping strategies. While there is no cure for many forms of chronic pain, you can learn ways to participate more fully in life despite your pain.