I have chronic pain in my back that no-one has been able to diagnose. I know some doctors say it's in my head, particularly because it hurts more when I'm stressed. What can I do?

Living with chronic pain can be difficult, particularly if you don't know the cause. You don't say what types of doctors you've seen but it may be worth your while to see a pain specialist. Most pain specialists are anesthesiologists, doctors who specialize in relieving pain.

Even if a specific cause can't be found, the pain has to be dealt with and a pain specialist may have some ideas that haven't been tried yet. At the same time, if your pain is made worse during stressful periods, it may be a good idea to try working with a counselor or psychologist to learn how to lessen your stress reactions. If you can get a handle on this, your pain may also decrease.