Let’s clear some things up first. Pain shouldn’t be a normal part of your life, but chronic pain is a condition that affects a large number of people in the world. Some attribute it to old age, others think it’s to do with underlying health conditions, and some are convinced they have to live with it. However, as debilitating as it can be, there are plenty of treatments available and a proper diagnosis can do wonders for you. Even if living with chronic pain becomes normal, there are ways to make your everyday more comfortable.
Diagnose the Problem
First of all, don’t go online and try to look for people that have similar symptoms. Chronic pain is a personal experience, and it’s usually different for everyone. Some people will have it at different times to you, some will experience pain in other parts of the body, and some experience different types of pain.
Since it can occur at seemingly random times and in various parts of the body, it’s best you see a doctor to properly diagnose the problem. Technology and the internet can only take you so far, so try not to rely too much on a self-diagnosis.
Seek Advice when Living with Chronic Pain
You likely already know this one. Usually the first person to seek advice from for chronic pain is a doctor, as Paul Giunta and his family knows well. The physician can show you some basic chronic pain management techniques or at least refer you to a specialist who can tell you how to lessen the effects of chronic pain. They can also recommend specialists for rehab programs, surgery, and more.
A GP may suggest meditative breathing to help reduce pain, and they might prescribe you a painkiller prescription for immediate relief. In some situations, surgery may be necessary to improve your condition. That is usually optional, unless the pain gets overwhelming.
Fit Your Life around Your Pain
Depending on what your diagnosis is, it’s possible to fit your life around chronic pain. One of the most basic examples is to look at your furniture if you have a back issue. If you spend a lot of time sitting down, then invest in a sturdy chair that supports your entire back.
It might require a bit of trial and error but there are furniture pieces designed to be ergonomic. Certain furnishings are made specifically to reduce the type of pain you experience regularly.
Mental Health Considerations
Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, to a point that it affects your mental health. When this occurs, it likely interferes with your daily life and can even cause stress at times. Stress is taxing on the body; it can raise your anxiety levels and even spiral into depression.
It’s important to look after your mental state during this time because it can easily spiral out of control. Focus on trying to surround yourself with positivity. Doing so can help with pain management. Also, always seek help when times get rough. Remember that you’re never alone in your journey, and there are many online communities and support groups ready to help those living with chronic pain.
An informative post, Christy.
I’m glad you touched on the mental health bit. Not enough people talk about what chronic pain can do to exacerbate things like depression/anxiety. Not all doctors listen when you do speak up.
This was very fascinating information. I have MS and have pain most of the time. It is a frustrating thing but I try to be positive! I just started following your blog as I just started my own about a month ago as well! Take care!!
You have a positive outlook and I like that! Thanks for the nice comment and I’ll be over to visit your blog :)
Excellent post, Christy – one of the banes of my existence is regular visits to various health practitioners – so I hate the thought of adding to that regimen. I usually wait a while before I seek out help… stubborn old… ;)
You have a lot in common with a certain older man I saw yesterday ;) I won’t get on your back about it but do want you healthy xx
Indeed, and I appreciate the prodding and poking from my friends. Hugs!
Been suffering from this weird ankle pain for months now and I have not done anything about it! You have given me this push to call up the doctor and set something up – I need to stop ignoring it!
Oh I do hope you get an appointment soon, P xx I send healing vibes your way
Going today :) Thanks Christy!
Wonderful ideas for help with pain Christy. You said it in the first sentence, pain is NOT a normal part of life and shouldn’t be ignored. :) xx
It’s easy to get used to the pain.. Glad you’re here so I can say how great I hope your weekend is :) xx
Thanks again sweet girl. Wishing you a wonderful Happy 150th Birthday! <3🎈💞
As always, I love this. I really do look to your posts for comfort and advice, I’m so glad I found you here. This is so important, chronic pain has such a stigma attached to it, it’s so important to be informed and empathetic because it’s such a difficult transition to make. Learning to live with chronic pain is so difficult, it’s not easy to pick up a new life up off the shelf and just step into it. Learning to live with pain takes time, patience and a good shoulder to cry on✨💛
Wow, your compliment humbles me. I must say that’s so sweet of you to write here. I appreciate that you mention the importance of a “good shoulder to cry on” because the reality is that we all can benefit from the support of others <3
Christy – your posts are life-affirming and provide excellent strategies for living life to its fullest!
Rebecca, yes, you get it, that’s exactly what this is all about, living life fully!! Thank you xxoo
I don’t think we can understand how debilitating and depressing chronic pain can be unless we experience it. I had a friend who lived with fibromyalgia for years and she suffered horribly at times. I sympathized, but I never really understood until I tore my shoulder out of its socket. The pain was excruciating, and even after it was fixed, it was still chronically painful for several weeks. This pain made it difficult for me to think right, to write right, to act right and to sleep right. From then on, I’ve had such much more empathy for those in chronic pain. “Helpless” is a good word that Tanya uses, above.
I almost felt the pain when you wrote that “tore” your shoulder, Pamela. But you’re quite right that we don’t really get it until it happens to us. It’s like with my depression. People say they understand but until they have experienced it themselves, they cannot fully comprehend it. Still, the support and consideration of others is priceless. Thank you for your comment!
<3
Network Spinal Analysis :-) worth a look.
Great advice my darling. It must be awful for anyone who finds themselves in this position. I know a lot of folks like this xxxxxx
Hugs. You are so sweet and considerate, Shey xx And I loved catching up the tweets yesterday. Your shares and return comments to me are always appreciated <3
These were lovely posts you had today–yesterday now–about the children and values and health. you have put such thought into this series. You could put it all into a self help style book xxx
Great share!
Thank you for dropping by!
I really feel for people who are suffering, you feel quite helpless at times.
Yes… It’s tough when we want to help but can’t.. or we try and it doesn’t work… I know what you mean.. you have a good heart
Thank you Christy, I can feel that you do too! Xo
I have lived with chronic pain for almost 20 years. May 18th I finally had surgery and it’s gone! Your blog brings back so many memories!
My hope IS surgery. I am thinking about planning it for this summer. It will take all summer for the recoups.
Never give up trying for a solution! Good luck!
I was in pain as I read this today after hearing from my doctor that I’ll probably just have to live with it or adjust my lifestyle. I think it was as hard for him (He is young.) to tell me this as it was for me to hear it. (I am old.) I am trying really hard not to become depressed and making an effort to focus on anything positive. Your article was “just there.” Not a coincidence.
Wow. What timing. Sending a gentle hug your way, Rae
This is a really good post, my father was diagnosed with Lung cancer last year (luckily he is in remission now) but his mental state took a temporary hit – but luckily we have a great Healthcare system in Australia and we all made it through!
It sounds like your family used the resources available and I’m glad for it ~ Happy to hear your dad is in remission <3