Coping with Pain Flares: Quick Action Plan
Pain flares—times when your pain suddenly gets worse—are common when living with chronic pain. Having a plan can help you stay calm and manage symptoms more effectively. Use this guide to prepare before a flare happens and to know what to do when one occurs.
Before a Flare: Build Your Plan
☐ Keep a written list of current medications, doses, and when to take them.
☐ Stock comfort supplies such as heat packs, ice packs, and easy-to-prepare meals.
☐ Prepare a relaxation toolkit: guided imagery recordings, favorite music, or breathing exercises.
☐ Share your plan with family or caregivers so they can assist if needed.
☐ Know who to call if pain is uncontrolled (provider, pain clinic, on-call nurse).
During a Pain Flare: Quick Action Steps
☐ Pause and breathe—use a deep breathing or mindfulness technique to stay calm.
☐ Take prescribed pain medication or use rescue treatments as directed by your healthcare provider.
☐ Use comfort measures such as heat, cold, gentle stretching, or relaxation exercises.
☐ Reduce or postpone strenuous activity—focus on gentle movement and rest as needed.
☐ Stay hydrated and eat light, nourishing foods if possible.
☐ Track details in your pain diary (time of flare, intensity, triggers, what helped).
After a Flare: Recovery and Review
☐ Resume your normal routine gradually; avoid jumping back into heavy activity.
☐ Review your pain diary for patterns or triggers.
☐ Share flare details with your care team at the next visit so they can adjust your plan.
When to Seek Immediate Help
- Call your healthcare provider or 911 if you experience:
New or sudden severe pain unlike your usual symptoms.
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control.
• Signs of infection such as fever or chills. - **Always ask your healthcare provider for specific guidance on warning signs/symptoms, when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care
Key Takeaways
- Pain flares are common and can be manageable with preparation.
• A written plan with clear steps and contacts can reduce stress and help you act quickly.
• Consistently tracking and sharing flare information helps your care team improve your long-term pain management.
This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.