OBJECTIVES: To investigate the number, type, and commonly used pain self-management strategies among a sample of pharmacists with chronic pain

METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to licensed pharmacists in one United States state (n=10993) in 2015 to investigate types of pain management strategies used. Respondents who indicated they had chronic pain (pain daily for three to six months) and reported at least one pain management strategy were included in the study. Strategies used were summarized as either: medications; medical; physical; psychological; or home remedy strategies. The mean and standard deviation (mean ± S.D.) for the total number of strategies used was calculated.

RESULTS: The mean number of pain self-management strategies used by 149 pharmacists with chronic pain was 12.7±4.7 (range 2-31). A total of 99 different strategies were reported: Respondents reported using 73 different medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, n=11), antidepressants (n=10), muscle relaxants (n=8), opioids (n=8), over-the-counter products (OTC, n=8), anticonvulsants (n=7), triptans (n=5), beta-blockers (n=3), sedatives (n=3), and others (n=10); medical strategies (n=7); physical strategies (n=6); psychological strategies (n=2); and home remedy strategies (n=11). Respondents most commonly used OTC NSAIDs (64%) and acetaminophen (43%). The most commonly reported medical strategies were steroid injections (34%), visiting a chiropractor (21%), and surgery (21%), while the most common physical strategies were physical activity (70%), massage (62%), and physical therapy (54%). Two psychological strategies were reported: relaxation (60%) and meditation (28%). Overall, the most commonly reported strategies were home remedies changing body position (89%), rest (84%), and avoiding specific activities (70%).

CONCLUSIONS: Respondents in this study with chronic pain reported using a large number and variety of pain management strategies. The most commonly reported strategies were changing body position and rest. Future work is needed to calculate exposure to these strategies and to relate their use to self-reported pain outcomes.