Poor pain management during and after operations, in the case of long-term health problems or in the event of tumor formation, can lead to chronic pain due to permanent stress on the nerve cells. In the case of phantom pain in amputees, scientists have shown that changes can actually occur in the brain. This has led to a rethinking of pain management. The recommendation today is: In the event of severe pain or after operations, the pain sensation should be suppressed quickly and completely with appropriate medication.

Ways out of chronic pain

Patients with chronic pain are in good hands in pain outpatient clinics or special pain clinics, and not only when it comes to medical care. As a rule, holistic therapy concepts are also offered there. These include behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. The example of phantom pain makes it clear that pain can also be a matter of the head, and part of the nervous system itself can be the cause of pain (neuropathy). There is no sense of pain without the involvement of the psyche.

I just had my first appointment with a local pain clinic and had trigger point injections to relive pain from my tight muscles. Later this week, I will be back there for an epidural pain block and I am looking forward to some relief from that, before my ACDF surgery next week.

Today there is also an opportunity for therapy in the knowledge: the pain memory can also be deleted or, better said, overwritten. Careful use of painkillers initially relieves the patient of pain for a few hours or days. Depending on the type and extent of the symptoms, strong opioids can also be used as pain relievers when used properly, although they often do not work on EDS patients like me.

As a last resort, there are other methods to relieve excruciating pain. This includes patch therapy, such as morphine – which increases my pain, so I have it listed as an allergy in my medical chart. Another option for chronic pain sufferers is pain pumps. They are implanted under the abdominal wall and connected to the central nervous system. Regardless of which therapy the sufferer chooses, tolerable pain must be the first goal in the treatment of chronic pain, and you can also look deeper within your mind and spirit to try and further conquer the issue. Meditation during a flare is difficult for me, focus wise, but it definitely helps once I am in my zone.

Forget about painful situations

Patients can relearn that they do not have to avoid certain situations or movements, as anyone who behaves and moves normally again and consciously experiences these pain-free moments can forget typical painful situations again. The newly growing hope for a cure can stimulate the body’s own pain inhibition system again, i.e. boost the release of endorphins. The brain also controls this process. Physiotherapy should support this holistic concept. In addition, on the psychological level, all situations should be promoted that make you forget the pain or hide the pain from consciousness. Many people look towards CBD oil and cannabis solutions. There are many people who even grow their own; however you may need to get ACMPR license for this, depending on where you are located. I am in Michigan, USA, and it is legal to grow up to 12 cannabis plants here for anyone over the age of 21, without any licensing.

Relaxation techniques can be a strategy to experience substantial pain relief and regain more freedom in everyday life. It is important to break the vicious circle of pain experience, tension, tension and fear of new pain. Progressive muscle relaxation, according to experts, yoga, autogenic training, meditation, biofeedback for hypnosis are just some of the methods that can help.