Do you ever get used to living with chronic pain?

Question

I have chronic back and knee pain.

The doctors can't find a cause but it makes my life a misery although I am lucky as it doesn't get worse with activity so I can still lead an active life.

Any advice or tips on dealing with it? Do you eventually just get "used" to it?

The problem is I am only 26 and feel I am too young to be dealing with this.

Answer 1

I suffer with my back, although not all the time. When it goes it usually lasts anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks. I take ibuprofen 600mgs twice a day for it. The only thing you can do is `manage` it, although you should have adequate pain relief if it`s a constant and permanent pain. I try to avoid lying on my back in bed, I find being on my side takes the pressure off it. Have you seen a specialist about your problems?

Answer 2

I sure wish! Honestly, Ive had pain for 21 years of my life. I think that you never get used to it, but you learn to manage day to day. Here are some tips to help you deal with the pain.

1. Heat: Invest in a heating pad for the back, and for your knee, fill up an old sock with rice and put it in the microwave for one minute then place on the affected area.
2. Ice: Keep a few ice packs in the freezer for when your knee inflames.
3. Do Something: Watch a funny movie, read, listen to music, or anything that can take your mind off it for awhile.
4. Don't worry about being slower then normal on really bad days.
5. Sometimes if the pain is at a minimum, ibuprofen and tylenol will help. Just be sure not take it on an empty stomache.
6. Massage: Get someone, anyone, to massage your back...it helps me.

Honestly, you might want to see a pain specialist if it gets any worse.

Answer 3

You haven't said what has been done for your pain, or what you have tried. There are a lot of measure available to help manage chronic pain.

The answer is, NO...YOU NEVER GET USED TO LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN!!!

You do what you can to manage the pain.

You do what you can to maximize your physical capability and lifestyle.

You seek help if the psychological issues related to living with chronic pain and/or disability if it becomes overwhelming.

You work with the best specialist you can get to, to achieve the above goals.

YOU NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!

I have a chronic pain condition, and was on significant medications to manage the pain for several years. (Methadone and Fentanyl) I now control the pain with biofeedback only. This has taken years of training. I have tried every naturopathic, alternative medicine, accupunture, chiropractic, and traditional medicine path available to me, and this is where I am.

Due to the conditions of my injuries, I have closed my practice and retired at 47, but I still advise and teach and do research, to keep active in my field. You have to keep doing as much as possible. Always understand the people in your life are the most important thing. Nothing matters but being with the people in your life, it will get you through.

Answer 4

Chondroitin and Glucosamine supplements help my knee pain.

A Chiropractor will be able to help with your back pain.

Make sure that you don't suffer from fallen arches as this can cause back and knee pain - you can buy inserts for your shoes which can help with this problem. You can go to see a Podiatrist who will be able to tell you if you have this problem - also, do your feet roll inwards when you stand in bare feet? This is called 'pronation' if they do and the inserts can stop this problem.

Gentle exercise and losing weight (if you need to) will also help - if you're carrying around excess weight it will put a strain on your joints and skeleton.

Taking regular analgesia will also help - I take Paracetamol regularly - Ibuprofen is also useful. You can also buy Ibuprofen Gel or Voltarol Gel (from your doctor) which you rub onto the affected area - it's absorbed by the body, reduces pain and fights inflammation.

Go and see a Chiropractor though.....that will make a huge difference I think you'll find.

Answer 5

Have all avenues of investigation been explored? I find it hard to understand why a 26yr old has been left to 'get on with it'.
If you have had all the relevant examinations, weight is not an issue and no cause can be found, then ask for a referral to a pain clinic. There are specialists in what is called 'Chronic Intractable Pain'.

Answer 6

you are not alone. millions of young people are affected by several chronic illness and pains.

my brother recently found out that he has chronic ulcer illness in his stomach. he is only 28 and doctors have no reason why it happens. he was in hospital for 2 weeks and chances are he will have more relapses for rest of his life - just dont know when and what causes it.

all you can do is think positive, look forward to your future, listen to the advise given by doctors

ask doctors about how to live a normal life with your condition and they should be able to guide you.

dont be miserable, you will have ups and downs in your condition but learn to face it, and get the best out of it rather than let it affect your. try to think of the good things in your life.

look forward and having a positive attitude towards life, if you have a disease you need to mentally fight it - DONT LET IT GET YOU DOWN.

take on something new - yoga, meditation, painting that will divert your mind and help you look at the brighter side of things.

good luck and wish you all the best.

Answer 7

You will be able to cope with this pain whilst you are young because you have that determination. You tell yourself that this is not meant to be and you will overcome it as you have a life to live. You probably have something wrong with your lower spine because I have the same thing but mine extends to a lot more than yours. I wont tell you where or what because it might have a psychological impact on you. I have coped with it for years after having a road accident but despite all the tablets and patch that I have the pain still comes and goes. You can ignore pain when you are at your age but at mine?????????? Pain is pain no matter what anyone else tells you. You can only get over it by installing in your brain that it will go away because the brain has the power to do many many great things. Good luck ...think positive...its hard but you can do it I know.

Answer 8

I've had chronic back pain for over 25 years, after taking all drugs, getting hookd,unhooked! Then< I fell from a roof and had a dble compound fracture of my left wrist, and re-injured my back-- A great surgeon saved my hand, but back on drgs, hooked, then I self unhooked, its 8 years later, still unhooked, and living in constant pain!! A little pain I believe is good, lets you know you're alive!! But this is extreme, I watch my wieght, exercize, work really hard, hot showers, oinments, and alot of asprin!! I'd rather have pain, than walk around STUPID with drugs in Me!!!

Answer 9

If you want to live with chronic pain - rely on NHS services or pay private doctors & use daily pain killers.
Otherwise:
You need to either get rid of cause - see an Alexander teacher (they will make you walk again with no problems);
or/and
Get rid of pain - see a Vibrational Medcine specialist (Jack Temple based) or Homeopath.

[some practitioners offer discounts when you show DLA or unemployment status]

Once you feel better - pass on the advice to others who ask for it
:)

Answer 10

I suffer with cervical spondylosis ( bulging discs in my spine ), it causes me tremendous amounts of pain in my shoulder and neck.
Surgery is an option, but only 50/50 chance it'll relieve the pain. I get by by taking pain relief, warm baths etc when it's real bad.
I don't let it get me down, i have far too many cats, dogs and horses to take care of to let it bother me.
I have accepted that it'll be with me for the rest of my life.