Jennifer Grey, a movie star, dancer, and patient advocate, is just one of millions of Americans who have lived with chronic pain. The Institute of Medicine estimates that over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Grey’s experience with this complex medical condition began over ten years ago. It has had an impact on her professional and personal lives.

She now shares her experiences to encourage others to “be the best they can be.”communication experts“Pain is not a choice. Grey knows how important it is to have a candid and open dialogue with your healthcare professional in order for you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Grey joined hands with Partners Against Pain in launching a national initiative, A Hands On Approach to Pain Management. This program aims to empower both pain patients as well as healthcare professionals by providing them with useful information and tools that allow them to communicate with one another more effectively.

“Pain is part of life, but suffering doesn’t have to be,”Grey. “No one should suffer in silence. I want people to know that communicating about pain is an important first step to identifying the best treatment options for you.”

Grey recommends that you prepare in advance to get the best out of your medical appointment. “Three R’s”: Record, Research and Practice:

* Research and learn all you can about chronic pain so you’ll know what to ask during your next medical appointment. Make sure you write down all your questions and bring them along.

* Record how you’re feeling day-to-day in a pain journal. Note your symptoms, severity, and pain relief steps.

* Rehearse with a loved one or caregiver to organize your thoughts and key points to communicate to your healthcare professional.

Learn more about A

For a hands-on approach to pain management, please visit Partners Against Pain (http://www.www.partnersagainstpain.com/The following is a list: The website offers useful information and tools to improve patient and healthcare professional communication about pain. This includes a downloadable journal on pain; tips and tricks for getting the most of every medical appointment; and a video with Jennifer Grey discussing how to communicate effectively about pain.