It's Not in Your Head
Welcome to It's Not in Your Head Podcast, with Dan and Juz. Dr. Dan is a Sports Physician and Justine a Pain Coach and patient. We have come together to find ways to manage complex pain better for both patients and providers. New episodes will come out bi-weekly on all major platforms.
It's Not in Your Head
15 How to Manage Chronic Pain Flares: Strategies That Actually Work
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Pain flares are an inevitable part of chronic pain — but they don't have to feel unmanageable. This episode breaks down the phases of a flare and offers concrete strategies for each stage, from early recognition to recovery. Patients learn how to identify their personal flare patterns earlier, spend less time in crisis, and navigate their way out more effectively. For providers, the episode offers a framework for educating patients proactively, so they are equipped to manage what they can control and know when to seek additional support.
Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/iniyhpodcast/
Timestamps:
00:00 Official Intro
00:17 Intro - Flare Management
02:38 Reasons for this episode
03:55 Justine's Most Recent Flare
05:34 Breaking Down the 5 phases
05:43 1st Phase - Trigger or Stressor
09:27 2nd Phase - Loss of Routine
12:05 3rd Phase - Worsening Pain
15:03 4th Phase - The Hole
17:55 5th Phase - Digging Yourself Out
19:35 Phase 1 Strategies
23:34 Phase 2 Strategies
25:30 Phase 3 Strategies
30:43 Why not Opioids?
32:10 Communicating with your provider
34:44 Phase 4 Strategies
38:27 Phase 5 Strategies - The Reach Out
43:08 Pain Flares have a Cycle
46:58 WrapUp
48:54 Disclaimer