Coping with Chronic Pain: Tips and Tricks

I take humongous loads of meds all day plus I have a spinal cord stimulator. Also, I REST when I’m in pain. There’s NO NEGOTIATING that. If you don’t rest when you’re supposed to, your body doesn’t heal. DONT push through it!! That just takes it longer to heal. I learned that the long way. It’s like working out 🏋🏽‍♀️ and you’re already sore, but the trainer tells you to keep going for no pain, no gain. Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs!!!

My pain is decreased by about 20% with physical therapy and stretching. I'm a massage therapist and have cut back my work to part-time, seated mostly. But without consistent exercise I'd be non-functional. Core strength and pelvic alignment are crucial. I'm obese so it's a challenge, but still the effort does help.

I'm not. Lol I'm bedridden and awaiting surgery in a few weeks. I can barely move at all now. I'm bawling my eyes out constantly. My 14 year old daughter is taking care of me until my surgery. I'm on Gabapentin and Prednisone with Tylenol and Ibuprofen around the clock and ice pack. I have spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, osteoarthritis and unbearble sciatica. Good luck to you. I'm still trying to figure it out. I had a microdiscectomy back in 2018 on a different vertebrae and it was wonderful. No pain for years. I'm hoping this laminectomy that I'm having soon will be the answer to my prayers and allow me to walk again. Just know you are not alone!

Rest, excersize

I have been using a lot of gavapentin, CBD, topicals, and holistic approaches. The immobility is annoying upon waking and I spent a lot of my time napping or resting between standing

Hi I had to literally face the pain straight on and change the way my body processes it, acceptance and leaving flight or fight state is a must.

Oh Honey, I’m so so sorry you are suffering. First and foremost, YOU’ve got this. Second, personally I have been applying a LOT of meditation every day and night for 6+ years, I don’t care if people think it’s lame or BS but practicing a positive mental attitude of gratitude is a must (albeit very difficult) while suffering chronic debilitating pain. Starting with a habit of beginning and ending each day on a positive and grateful thought. Be gentle and mindful of being gentle on yourself physically and emotionally. Any time the chronic pain (plus everything that goes with it emotionally, physically, affects on relationships , trauma, financial hardship, trying to force your way just to get out of bed, just everything…) any time it’s just too much I try my best to get myself in a comfortable as possible position using pillows, hot water bottles, ice packs, essential oil infuser and maybe tiger balm, whatever it takes to make your space and your body comforting… I just try my best to get quiet and meditative, focus on my breathing and things I am grateful for. Maybe sounds crazy but it helps me. I hope maybe something of this response helps you and I send you all the healing vibrations