How I Manage Chronic Pain: Physical and Mental Strategies That Help

"Positive thinking doesn't eliminate my pain, but sitting in constant negativity doesn't reduce my pain either." This is a quote from this week's submission to our Patient Perspectives blog and we feel it's quite a powerful statement. Read the full submission followed by some thoughts from our practice.

How do you manage chronic pain physically and mentally? This is a big question because pain management isn't one size fits all. What works for me might be useless for somebody else regardless of having the same diagnosis.

Mentally, I try to focus on what I can do instead of what I can't do. If I spend all my time focusing on what I've lost or what I can't do anymore, I'm just going to end up in a horrible negative spiral. Although positive thinking doesn't eliminate my pain, sitting in constant negativity doesn't reduce my pain either. So I focus on what I still have, what I still enjoy and what I can still do.

Physically, hot and cold therapy is my starting point. Heat works for some things, cold works for other things . Sometimes heat makes things worse and sometimes cold makes things worse. IV fluids help me stay on top of my hydration especially in the summer. Rest is my biggest pain management and if after time it doesn't subside I move to massages. Normally multiple symptoms and pains can flare at once and instead of getting overwhelmed i try to focus on my biggest discomfort/issue and I go from there.

From Radiant Rheumatology:

One of the most important things we discuss with patients is that pain management is rarely about finding a single solution. Often, it's about building a personalized toolbox of strategies that work together. This may include medications, physical therapy, exercise, stress management, sleep optimization, heat or cold therapy, and lifestyle modifications. We also encourage patients to pay attention to changes in their pain patterns. New pain, worsening symptoms, or pain that is interfering with daily activities can be a sign that treatment needs to be adjusted. Keeping an open dialogue with your healthcare team can help identify underlying causes and develop a plan that fits your specific needs and goals.

Do you have questions about pain management? We're here to discuss your concerns and help create a plan that works best for your individual needs.

Thank you to the patient who shared this perspective. The Living Radiantly Patient Perspectives series exists to give voice to the real experiences of people living with rheumatic, autoimmune, and chronic illnesses. If you have a story, insight, challenge, or triumph you'd like to share, we welcome your contribution. Together, we can help others feel seen, understood, and less alone throughout Clermont, Florida, and the surrounding communities.