When There’s an “I” in Pain

Anyone can suffer from chronic pain.

Anyone.

I am chief among them, Should you have any misconception that it is limited to elderly, which despite my children’s attempt’s to say otherwise, does not describe me, I have been struggling with it for decades. To be fair, you wouldn’t be alone in this bias; too many docs think the same way. Some remark that it is “unusual” for someone of (insert) age to suffer from a (insert) condition. 

The problem is it implies we’ve done something wrong. Or worse. It implies we’re not actually in pain. We’re coming for help and we’re left feeling worse. As a result, we often don’t deal with chronic pain properly. We can spend years, maybe even decades living with a nagging pain.

Maybe it’s our back or a catch in the hip, but becomes part of who we are and we simply accept it. I know I did. But no more! 

We shouldn’t have to accept pain

Step 1: Find out Why

Even if it’s not easy, it’s essential. I have been on this journey for almost two decades now. Yes, almost 17 years! I’ve learned to get multiple opinions. Pain can stem from a chronic illness, (boy do I know it) or it could be as simple as bad posture. Don’t let someone dismiss your pain because you’re “young” or any reason for that matter. If you’ve been dealing with a pain for a long time and know deep down there’s an issue, keep going. It has taken a lot of hits and misses, and frankly broken hearts to start getting real relief.

Google a little, but not a lot

So here’s a little cautious advice. Do some research into your pain too - look at your symptoms and see what comes up as possible causes. You might notice a few common conditions popping up, so it’s good to ask your doctor to test for these.

Please, please, please, make sure these are LEGIT sites from verified medical organizations. This is not the time for the side pop ad on your phone game or an article that your Aunt Tina’s best friend’s nurse friend promises is the REAL truth. Also, remember that the simplest answer is usually the right one. If your symptoms add up to the common cold and/or the plague, you are probably not dying from the plague.

This can help you have some power in getting to the heart of the problem. Diagnosis is only step one, however. 

Step 2: Take it as Natural as Possible

Well, obviously, the second step is treating the pain. To do this, we want to focus on the cause and not just chase symptoms. This is where many people - including me - have gone wrong in the past. Once we receive a diagnosis, however, the door will open to loads of treatment options.

It might look like: 

• Regular physiotherapy classes

• Chiropractic appointments

• Deep tissue massages

• Stretching/strengthening routines

• Prescription medication

All can be great ways of dealing with the problem and correcting chronic pain. However, we want to treat the pain as naturally as possible. Prescription medication may be necessary with specific chronic illness (don’t I know it?), but I try to steer clear of pain meds like opioids. They are highly addictive and it’s easy to build up a dependence on these drugs, leading to a secondary illness. You don’t want to end up in rehab for prescription medication. I have seen the suffering it causes. 

Focusing on the things that treat the cause should slowly create natural changes in your body as the pain subsides or becomes easier to manage. 

What is really important is chronic pain can happen to anyone. Even the fittest of us can suffer from chronic pain due to underlying medical conditions or issues with our physiology. Poor posture is a very common cause of pain these days as it forces our joints and muscles into positions they shouldn’t be in. The result is a lot of constant pain in the neck, shoulder blades, lower back, hips, and knees.

So, no matter your age, if you are struggling with chronic pain, you’re not alone. I am with you. I am here to walk with you and ready to take the steps on the journey to health together,