How to support a loved one with chronic pain

Pain can transition from acute to chronic, depending on a person's recovery process. — Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Dreamstime/TNS

DEAR Mayo Clinic: My spouse suffers from chronic pain after a back injury five years ago. The pain affects his ability to work and enjoy day-to-day activities with our family. Seeing him in pain and not knowing how to help is difficult for me.

How can I support him on the challenging days when the pain is more severe and encourage him on the good days?