How Pain Affects the Body

Head to Toe - This Pain Has To Go!

If you are like me and deal with daily chronic pain, then you know the affects on your body. But, in reality you might not because our brain processes things differently. All we know sometimes, is that we feel or are experiencing some form of discomfort or pain. Especially when it's all-the-time, it's torture! Then, our brains have to combat ways to evolve in a sense. Our brains either let the pain rule and then we're unable to be productive (which, do we really have control over?) or we try to occupy ourselves in a way to ignore the pain (I do this all the time). The only problem I've found with this technique is that for the break-through pain (severe) when it hits, it really hits and I'm unable to do much of anything. My brain is on over-load trying to deal with the pain. I've also read that if pain is not dealt with over time, it will affect your heart.

Literally, pain affects our bodies from our head to our toes. From how our body reacts and communicates pain to the results afterward. The results can be in the form of tension pains (such as neck pain, headaches, and so forth) because the constant pain sensors trigger tension. As such, this same concept will also trigger depression. As a person who deals with depression, I can tell you first-hand that it is a vicious cycle. If I'm depressed, the more I am upset or stressed, the more the receptors are communicating and the more I experience pain. Part of the vicious cycle we face is also the ability to take care of ourselves (how we need to); this includes exercise and socializing. When a person is depressed and dealing with daily chronic pain, they have a hard enough time moving, let alone considering exercise or being around people that don't understand your struggles. Just remember, you can't judge someone if you haven't experience what they have. We're all different and experience things differently. 12 Nice Things You Can Do for Someone in Pain12 Things You Should Never Say to Someone with a Chronic Health Condition The Spoon Theory

Links

American Psychological Association - Stress Effects on the Body

Harvard Health Publications - Depression and pain

WebMD - Understanding Chronic Pain

Persevering Pain

For me, it is such a vicious cycle, especially now because I am not on any medications. I am on a new insurance and have to consult with a new doctor before I can continue taking the medications (that I need). In one hand, I am not in nearly as much pain when I am on the Gabapentin. Yet, the medication make me tired - actually most of the medications I should be on right now make me tired. I have more energy without the medicine, yet the pain levels knock me down. I haven't been sleeping well either. It is really hard for me to get comfortable enough in a position long enough to fall asleep. Even if I am exhausted, because of the massive nerve damage, my nerve endings feel like pins and needles sporadically. The other reason I particularly don't want to go to the doctor's right now, because I have to explain everything all over again. I have to talk about what happened and the pain and suffering. need to go, the pain is starting to get too unbearable. I also know my mother might have a nervous break-down trying to get me to go. I know shes worried - she doesn't want the pain to affect my mental health either.

It is like reliving it and most of the time it opens the door for the trauma to seep it's way back into my subconscious. Then the nightmares start back up and it seems like things bother me more than normal (PTSD - post traumatic stress disorder). I know I
Something else that I have noticed since I have not been on medicine for the past couple weeks - years ago I was in a bad accident and as a result was diagnosed with two pinched nerves and a herniated disc. The two pinched nerves are my sciatica, especially my right side (also the side of were my scar reaches around). My pinched nerves only had bothered me the last few years once in a blue moon. Now, for the last week and a half, it has been giving me problems. Usually, I can walk it off (go for a walk). Yet, I can't walk far or long until my scar (abdomen) start hurting. I really am looking forward to a day that can be pain free!!

I once heard a saying "life is pain" and I understand there is pain in life. I use to have a high endurance for pain, I still do to a degree. It is the constant, uncomfortable pain that wears you down, and when the sharp pain happens, it seems to be worse. The constant pain is like a muscle seizing up, cramping, unrelentingly uncomfortable. The sharp pain varies, it can feel like skin ripping at times. Sometimes it feels like a sharp cold burn. Other times it feels like someone is stabbing me and takes my breath away.
Unfortunately, even with the medications - the only thing that seems to help is to put my feet up and rest. But then, the mental battle begins. I don't want to be perceived as 'lazy' - especially since my ex husband said this was the reason he cheated on our marriage (which I know is a total excuse for his disgusting behavior). When people don't understand your daily challenges, it is really easy for them to think otherwise. This is why I love the Spoon Theory! The Spoon Theory
Do you struggle with daily chronic pain? What are some tips or suggestions you could share?