Do you remember how difficult it was and the patience needed to unravel your shoelace when you were a child? The same principle applies in unraveling the mystery of chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain the persists for more than three months, explained my guest this week, a clinical psychologist. Similarly, to master the gnawing persistence of pain can be difficult and it takes patience to master it. Of course, if it is acute pain, more of a traditional approach may have to be taken. However, you can undo the twists and turns of chronic pain to obtained relief to the point it is tolerable and enabling you to have a more fulfilling life. it can be done. Where do you start? It starts with understanding that there is a difference between managing and mastering chronic pain. The word management carries the idea of surviving or coping with a challenge, in other words, you have acquiesced, you have settled and accepted your present circumstance. However, mastering a challenge implies you have superiority, you have full control, you are being in charge, and not the converse. This was my takeaway in this week's episode.
I have always said that the biggest obstacle we have is the one between our ears, and addressing chronic pain is no exception. So, where do you begin to have mastery over ongoing pain? You start by addressing all three elements, its physical, emotional, and psychological aspects, he said. Think about it, this long-term pain can affect you from obtaining needed physical rest, can create hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and a whole host of other physical issues. You can experience emotional stress, uncontrollable anxiety and it can thrust you into a dark state of mind, clinical depression. You must unravel your current entrenched way of how you perceive pain. He called it neuroplasticity. This is where you employ diverse ways of thought, thus, you will rewire your perception of handling pain. Did you know that the more you give attention to pain, it gets worse? You want to remain active. The fear of pain can induce you to stop you from what you enjoy. It is imperative not to let your condition have mastery over you. Understand your limitations, and do not push yourself more than you can accomplish. How about exercise? Low-impact exercise such as stretching once you clamber out of bed, walking and swimming are exceptionally minimal impact exercises as well. Staying connected with family members or calling a close friend or pal for lunch or coffee. Research has shown that social interaction and support lends itself to becoming more resilient, therefore, mitigates depression and placates the nervous system. Yes, we must learn to think differently about our chronic pain, and the answer is found in your mind. I am reminded of a young man who was bedridden because of his withering away illness. While visiting with him, he saw through the window a child riding his bicycle down the street, and the audible joy and profound pleasure that came from his voice in seeing this, was very heartening to me. He was not thinking of himself at all but found vicarious joy in seeing others enjoying themselves. Are you getting to see the point? Let me leave you with this thought and mantra that has served me well over the years, and that is, "things are never as bad as they appear.",
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