Stress reduction and "self" pain management
You also might be able to lessen your pain or muscle spasms and deal with other aspects of living with your disease if you try meditation or self-hypnosis. You can learn to do these through self-help books, tapes, or with the help of an instructor. You also can use imagery (using the power of your thoughts to "destroy" your pain) or distract your focus on your pain by doing a hobby or something else you enjoy.
To use imagery, set aside 15 minutes two or three times each day:

• Put on your favorite calming music.
• Lie back on your favorite chair or sofa. Or if you are at work, sit back and relax in your chair.
• Close your eyes.
• Imagine your pain or discomfort.
• Imagine something that confronts this pain and watch it "destroy" the pain.

Adapted in part from the National Women's Health Information Center (www.womenshealth.gov) and information from the National Institute of Nursing Research at the National Institutes of Health