However, when the pain is long-term, or chronic, it creates a stressor which dramatically affects the lives of many. Medical treatment may work wonders, but some people have been informed they must 'live with' crippling, debilitating pain. Others wish to decrease or discontinue use of pain medication which may present adverse side effects or possibly even addictive features.

Victims of chronic pain often experience extreme feelings of loss, anger, depression and hopelessness. Chronic pain may necessitate a drastic restructuring of a person's life as well as that of their family. It may force a person to leave a rewarding career, end recreational activities once enjoyed, may affect self-image/self-esteem, change the structure of the family, or even dramatically impact financial status.

Those facing these changes may benefit from psychotherapy, relaxation techniques or hypnotherapy to find relief or address the challenges of pain for both the individual and family members.