What are your coping methods for your pain?
I would love it if you could share the ways in which you cope with you chronic pain :) I feel as though it could really help others <3 (psst including me cause i am stuck right now on ways to help)
My physical pain levels vary a lot and over the years I have grown to know what tips and tricks are most likely to work for which pain hope maybe you can get some ideas from it.
- heat and cold. Knowing when to use heat compresses or ice for which type of pain. Note the effect they have on you.
- imagery. I give my pain a colour and visualise it wherever is is. Breathing and relaxation exercise can often help as for me the more tense and distressed I am with the pain the worse it feels. Can I change the colour (intensity) of the pain by focusing on breathwork.
Also my happy place does imagining I'm elsewhere help ie a warm beach.
- distraction what am I capable of doing right now to take my mind off my pain this varies a lot and sometimes the answer is not a lot! If energy allows can I read, watch a movie, play a game, plan a craft, window shop online, look for jokes and funny stories
nurturing - is there a difference in pain levels when I alter diet or sleep patterns. Long soak in bath ie steamy shower with essential oils, lighting a candle instead of having bright lights how can i reward me for getting through pain? Plan a massage or meal out with friends when I feel better.
there are probably lots more I will remember later but hope these give you good for thought and you find some relief soon
@Rycochet What about tea? I think I am getting arthritis, I am 30 years old now and my joints crack, I'm stiff as a brick in the morning, and sitting/standing too long can become intolerable. I fix cars for a living also and I have become more hunched back over the years, so I get really bad pains in my neck when I'm trying to look up from underneath a car or when I'm looking under the hood. I recently went to Mexico this past December and got a vigorous massage and this woman could feel all my poking joints and bones and then said something about a tea that I need to drink daily that would help my bones b/c my cartilage is most likely deteriorating and that's why I'm having problems? I don't ask my doctor .. I'm stubborn .. I feel I'm too young for this but .. I guess I'm not! lol
@TransAm85
There are lots of teas on the market that claim to have healing and beneficial properties - alternative therapies was something I failed to mention in my list thank you!
I am no expert and while I do include a few teas and supplements in my diet I think its important to remember that even natural and over the counter remedies can interact with any prescribed medication you are taking (not sure if relevant in your case)
If seeking alternative therapies - massage, aromatherapy, homeopathy, reflexology, acupuncture of herbalism to name but a few id make sure you do your research- check for certification and talk to someone knowledgeable. Even staff in health food shops (if going to a medical professional is not something you can or want to do) can usually point you in the right direction but be aware of what you are putting in your body.
exercise such a yoga or palates can teach us a lot about our bodies too and help us know what positions etc are beneficial. Reiki or another form of energy therapy has been a real help to some too.
I hope you find some relief for your pain - good luck! Just a little note with regards to not visiting your Dr - while I can understand and appreciate your reluctance sometimes early diagnosis can mean early intervention and can slow down or stop any progression. It may seem like you are making a fuss but a 10 minute consultation may bring you peace of mind and some answers - if it doesn't all you lost was 10 minutes (cost of appointment)
Please look after you - the you 5 years from now will thank you :)
I try to eat well and avoid unhealthy or inflammatory foods. Get enough sleep. If I feel well enough to do yoga, that really helps. Meditation is also helpful. I try to set certain limits and stick to them so I do not get overexerted. I hang out with my dog. I use things like essential oils or bath/shower products that smell good, which keeps part of my brain occupied with something pleasant at least. I work to remember to be kind and accepting towards myself and my body.
[Edited by vivelespatates for mentionning medication name], a comfy pillow to support my bad knee on and the warmest heating pad I can find. Nothing works quite like some elevation and heat.
Though the hydro massage machine at the gym was pretty nice too ;)
I get stuck in the "beyond" section of YouTube, often. Very distracting, especially when I can't stand up due to the pain. When the pain isn't as glaring, I like to hang out with my horse.
For me distraction is the best method i use, a good film, great cup of tea and maybe a bar of chocolate or two and i'm good :)
