Summer session of chronic pain program offered to help patients

Posted on June 13, 2023

Dates: Every Wednesday, July 26-August 30, 2023
Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Online. Link will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Email Laura Meyer-Junco, PharmD, at ALifewithPain@gmail.com by July 19, 2023.

Healthy Living with Chronic Pain is a free, six-week program for any adult with chronic pain or living with someone who has chronic pain that can complement existing treatments. It is facilitated by Laura Meyer-Junco, PharmD, a clinical assistant professor in the UIC College of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist at Mercyhealth and St. Croix Hospice. This evidence-based program is based largely on cognitive behavioral techniques and patient education. It is designed for patients with chronic pain and may also benefit patients with other painful conditions such as headache, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetic neuropathy, or multiple sclerosis. Available literature suggests that pain self-management skills are also valuable for patients suffering from chronic cancer pain.

This curriculum is modeled after the pain self-management program developed at Stanford University by pain psychologist Dr. Sandra Lefort. Patients completing this workshop report on average more energy, less pain, less dependency on others, improved mental health, greater involvement in everyday activities, and greater satisfaction with their overall pain care. Current studies are also underway to determine if such a program can reduce opioid use in chronic pain populations.

Topics Include: 

  • What is Pain?
  • Sharing/Problem-Solving
  • Setting short-term goals
  • Healthy eating
  • Stress and depression management
  • Communication skills
  • Tips for exercise and stretching
  • Pain and fatigue management
  • Mind and body connection
  • Managing difficult emotions
  • Planning and pacing
  • Working more effectively with family, friends, and medical providers
  • Medication and treatment evaluation

For more information or to register email Laura Meyer-Junco, PharmD, at ALifewithPain@gmail.com by by July 19, 2023. Purchase workshop textbook online. Internet and computer access is required to participate. A shareable flyer for this program can be found here.