Pain distraction
Current as of: February 23, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Michael Seth Rabin MD - Medical Oncology
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Distraction is a way to relieve pain by focusing the mind on something other than pain. With distraction, a person's mind is busy paying attention to something other than pain, which can make pain more tolerable.
People can distract themselves with activities such as:
Distraction can be helpful for dealing with pain at any level. It can be used alone for pain that is mild or with strong medicines for severe pain. It can help while a person is waiting for medicine to start working.
Some people may not find that distraction is helpful. If it leaves them feeling tired, irritable, or in more pain, they should find another way to deal with pain.
Current as of: February 23, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Michael Seth Rabin MD - Medical Oncology
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