I would like to know how you cope with Pain?

This Article sums up the techniques I used to use when I herniated a disc in my back.

For ripping pain attacks I have found I am able to mitigate and block that big rush of pain by digging my index finger nail into the back of my thumb, or try pinching the fold of skin between the thumb and index finger or if it is really a whopper, pinch the skin on the back of your hand right over the middle finger. These come in real handy at the Dentists office!!

Regular Yoga and meditation cured my back pain.

Oh, @JustmeAman, I can honestly say I feel your pain because I’ve been there, also for extended periods of time, with both kidney stones and a herniated disk. Thankfully both are under control now. What helped me with the bad back more than anything was cortisone shots in the spine, bed rest and then walking—that combination saved me from having to get a second surgery. The kidney stones responded to medication. My best suggestion is not to seek home remedies, but to keep searching for a doctor who can help. There’s nothing worse than living with extreme pain. Nothing!

Coping with sciatica for a number of years, I try to stretch and exercise when I can, if the pain is too much, pop a few ibuprofen. Though trying to stay active is the best pain deterrent.

@JustmeAman you have pain all over or just localized in the chest?

It is all over I can’t even lift things because of my arms right now. Last night my grand son was over and he wanted me to keep picking him up. I finally couldn’t do it so I laid on the couch with him. It is in every joint and in my torso very intense at times.

have any of your doctors suggested a multivitamin (especially vitamin D)? I’m not a doctor but i have noticed some research about pain and vitamin deficiencies.

I take daily suppliments and many of them. I have been under tons of stress for about 5 years now and I think much of this stems from that.

sorry to hear that. the body is a strange, strange vessel sometimes. i hope you can find relief.

Thanks everyone.

I have 5 bulging disks and a pinched nerve in my back and a bulging disk in my neck. Living with pain everyday is not something I wish upon anyone. I real sorry your going through this, I know how it feels.

I’ve had a multitude of shots in my neck/back been through PT too many times to count and prescribed just about every pain med you can get. And quite honestly, the ONLY thing that has helped me at all to cope with the pain and be able to sleep a solid night of sleep has been marijuana. Though i do realize this isnt exactly something everyone is open to, but it most definitely works.
side note, if you do go that route, Indica strains would be the way to go. They numb the pain and everything, sativa on the other hand, unfortunately, makes you feel everything :(

At this point being desperate I would do just about anything to get rid of so much pain. The pain killers help a little but the after effects are not worth it all. I have never used or thought about using the weed but if it would give relief I would be willing.

I am strongly against opiates as well. Drs gave me lots of them. Sure they kill the pain for a bit but when it comes back its 8 million times worse and theres a million other negative side effects that just make it so not worth it

I know I was on 10 mil and taking 6 a day of Percocet and I just can’t stand how I feel though it does help some. I haven’t taken any in about 2 weeks so I know that is why the pain is more severe now but it is so hard to go to work daily and even get out of bed. It hurts just to try and get up right now.

I hate it that you have to go to work? That is terrible!

@uberbatman and @JustmeAman The trouble I found with the killer pain killers is they did such a good job of blocking the pain that I was off doing stuff the pain would otherwise prevent me from doing and yeppers, when they wore off I was often worse off because of this.

I injured my back and have squished nerves from T12 area. Gabapentin made a world of difference for me.

You can deal with it mentally. You see the only reason why we associate pain as a bad feeling is because it signals that something is wrong with our body. I learned to deal with pain by acknowledging the fact that there is pain and there is something wrong with my body and looking at it as a good thing. It’s good that my body is telling me that there is pain. After a while I made it so pain doesn’t bother me.
I never have liked pain pills or drugs it makes you unaware of what’s going on inside your own body.
You can call me crazy all you want but changing your perspective on pain can help a lot.

@daytonamisticrip There is pain you cannot get away from. You have never felt pain that prevents you from walking. I take pain medication regularly and morphine sometimes and I still ache every moment of my day. I feel offended by your remark.

Those that have not experienced what I am talking about do not understand real pain that is constant and always there. It is hard to keep your mind from going crazy and you get desperate.

@JustmeAman I urge you to talk to your doctor about this. Ask him to recommend a pain management specialist.

Acupuncture eased my back to be able to heal and me to rest finallly after 5 years of abusing prescription drugs and drinking A LOT. I used to go twice a month for the first few months then once a month to complete the first year then twice a year since for “tune ups”.

@faye How would you know if I have ever felt pain that prevents me from walking? I have had my fair share of pain in my life plus a little extra. I’m not saying you get away from the pain this way. It’s still there but you no longer associate it as a bad feeling. If that makes any sense.
I’m sorry for offending you.