Managing long-term pain

Support to help you manage long-term (chronic) pain.

If you are experiencing persistent pain after breaking a bone, it is understandable to feel frustrated or let down that your pain relief isn’t working.

On this page, we share some practical steps to help manage long-term pain.

Practical steps to help with pain

Pain can affect your ability to concentrate, stay physically active and generally enjoy life.

Pain is very individual, so what works for one person might not work for you. Conventional pain medication doesn’t always provide complete relief. However, there are a few practical steps you can take if you’re experiencing chronic pain:

  • understand your pain and what triggers it

  • learn to accept your pain

  • pace yourself by planning and prioritising your daily tasks

  • learn relaxation techniques

  • find something to distract you from the pain

  • some strength exercises can help with pain

  • make a 'flare up plan', to help you cope through an episode of pain

  • know who is there for you, if you need help

  • be aware of how your mood can affect your pain levels.

For more detail on the practical steps you can take to reduce pain, read our managing pain after broken bones factsheet.


About this information

Last reviewed
1 April 2022
Next review
1 December 2026

Phone

Talk to a specialist nurse

If you can’t find the information you need, our specialist nurses can answer your questions or concerns about osteoporosis.

Support Group

Connect with people living with osteoporosis

Our online community is a welcoming and safe space for you to share your experiences and find peer support.


Help fund vital support for people with osteoporosis

To change a life like Ann's, please give today

A lady called Ann who has osteoporosis