Chronic pain management?

Question

Other than drugs - what do you do to deal with it?

I remind myself of ways that I'm lucky or blessed, and I try to keep my mind occupied on other things - boys, usually ;) And foot baths! My feet aren't hurting or anything, but it's just really comforting for some reason.

Any other suggestions? Things you think about? Breathing exercises?

Oops - I guess I should have said, I have no problem with pain meds at all!!! I meant, on top of them, what do you do. But thanks!

Answer 1

Great question - I wish you had included more information about the specific pain. Here are some ideas - a TENS unit has been very helpful in removing pain from different parts of my body.

I also have a circular heating pad that vibrates around my neck and that has been very helpful for neck pain. Hot baths to soak your feet and hands in have been helpful and the most recent non-drug pain management technique is Radio Frequency Ablation - that is where they put a probe (in my case) along the nerves coming out of the spinal column (The procedure is slightly painful) and they burn the nerves slightly with a radio frequency and that process stops the pain from going up the nerve for 3 months to 3 years.

The power of positive thinking is extremely helpful - You are correct to remind yourself how lucky you are when you see folks who are much worse off than yourself.

Answer 2

Listen to the second response from (hushnowju) I have been living with chronic pain for 13 years now. I have a pinched nerve root in my neck, bulging discs, and fibromyalgia. It was only this year that I found a doctor that took me seriously. Women do not receive adequate pain management. There are thousands of websites that discuss this issue.
Try water aerobics. It really works. You can get a good workout while the water supports your body. Muscle strengthen is key to helping to get your life back. Also speak to a mental health professional. I never believed that I was so depressed until my family intervened and told me to get help.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Chronic pain management?
Other than drugs - what do you do to deal with it?

I remind myself of ways that I'm lucky or blessed, and I try to keep my mind occupied on other things - boys, usually ;) And foot baths! My feet aren't hurting or anything, but it's just really comforting for some reason.

Any...

Answer 4

The problem with chronic pain is that even if you try to use mind over matter as a way to control it, it will take it's toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically.

People who are in uncontrolled chronic pain began to decline in their ability to perform mental functions. Emotionally they become depressed. Physically they start to wither and atrophy as they become less mobile to avoid pain. People in chronic pain have been shown to heal at a much slower rate then people who are pain free.

It used to be that physicians in America were told not to give patients pain relievers if it could be avoided because of a unfounded fear of addiction. It has now been shown that people will not become addicted to pain relievers unless they were predisposed to an addiction. People recover and heal faster if their pain is controlled. Pain relief for end stage patients improves their quality of life and eases the burden for the family.

When you chose to live in pain you are denying yourself the ability to live your life to it's fullest. There is no way to relieve pain better than medication especially chronic pain.

Answer 5

I have Fibromyalgia and exercise helps a very little bit. But I take different pain medications, Fentanyl patches and Oxycodone. I don't know how you feel about prescription pain meds. but they sure do help me.

Answer 6

I have had cronic pain now for eight * years it is hard on the soul and spirt
you can walk take time to do something to take your mind off of it medication helps

Answer 7

Meditation and prayer...
Involves talking and listening...very powerful when done correctly.
A positive mental attitude also helps.