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.

Medical Disclaimer

This resource is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is general in nature and may not apply to every individual or health situation.

Individuals should consult their physician or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations related to their specific health conditions.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of information contained in this resource.

Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.