I read the aarp article and I completed an intensive residential chronic pain program. I went in thinking they were going to be able to fix me. I was in a wheelchair and could use a walker for shorter distances. On the first day they said “if you are here because you think we have a way or a magical pill that will make you better, we don’t.” Boy was I bummed I honestly thought about getting up and leaving but instead I thought I had to retire due to my pain I can hear them out. Each day I recommitted to going and keeping an open mind and I really did learn a lot. I started out in so much pain that worsened in the first week because of all the exercise we did. I approached instructors saying “i think I have done something terribly wrong to my thighs.” But by the beginning of the next week, the new pain was gone and I was learning to live a better quality of life with my chronic pain. I could workout in the gym, do pool exercise, yoga, tai chi actually enjoy myself. It is using CBT, mindfulness and other alternative metrologies but it is worth trying. When I was done with the program I continued using the exercises I started and still needed assistance in walking. Surgery on my back in January gave me back the ability to walk without assistance. I still need pain meds on occasion just not as often. It is not a one or the other mentality it is in addition to what we are already doing. Yes I still have chronic pain I have just learned how to put it in the background and focus on other things at least for part of my day.