Understanding the Nervous System’s Role in Chronic Pain

purple and pink plasma ball representing neurons in the science of chronic pain

If you live with chronic pain, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not just a sore back or achy joints. Pain can feel all encompassing. That’s because your nervous system plays such a major role in chronic pain. This article will explore how chronic pain and the nervous system are interconnected. We’ll discuss strategies for calming…

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How to Stay Engaged in Your Chronic Pain Care Between Appointments

a woman using a standing desk with a laptop

When you live with chronic pain, much of your care happens outside the doctor’s office. The space between medical appointments can feel long, uncertain, and overwhelming—but it’s also where meaningful self-care and progress can happen. That’s where the I-Engage Academy comes in. This free online resource is designed to help you stay supported, informed, and…

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Patient Activation: A Learnable Skill for Better Pain Management

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but one factor that significantly improves health outcomes is patient activation—an individual’s knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing their health and healthcare. The good news? Patient activation is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time. What is Patient Activation? Patient…

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The Benefits of Swimming for People with Chronic Pain

Swimming is an excellent, low-impact exercise that many people with chronic pain swear by. Doctors, physiotherapists, and physiatrists often recommend swimming as an easy exercise that can help strengthen muscles without strain or risk of injury.  This article will digest what exactly makes swimming effective for people with chronic pain, the specific health benefits, and…

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Setting Healthy Boundaries for Chronic Pain

two people having a conversation over coffee

Setting healthy boundaries is another key way to practice self-care, especially when you live with chronic pain. Boundaries make your expectations clear, with yourself and others. They are an excellent way to communicate your limits, how you’d like to be treated, and what your values are. Chronic pain vastly impacts physical and mental energy, social…

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The Importance of Protein for Chronic Pain Patients

Adequate protein intake is essential for chronic pain patients. Protein is a major part of healthy nutrition: protein breaks down into amino acids, which are used to repair and build cells, perform chemical reactions, and even become part of pain relieving compounds like endorphins. Without enough protein, the body cannot heal, maintain muscle mass, or…

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Boost Your Mental Wellness: Free Supporting Your Mental Health Course

Woman Doing Yoga Beside her Dog closing her eyes as she meditates cross legged

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but finding the right tools to support it can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re living with chronic pain. That’s why the I-Engage Academy created the Supporting Your Mental Health eLearning course, designed to help you build resilience, improve your mood, and care for your overall well-being. What’s…

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Exercise Without Fear—Movement Strategies for Chronic Pain

For many people living with chronic pain, the idea of exercising can create fear: “will this hurt me further?” You may worry that movement will make your pain worse or that you’ll do something “wrong” and re-injure yourself. It’s completely normal to feel hesitant, but avoiding movement altogether can actually make pain worse over time. …

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