Living with Chronic Pain

I have learned that I have to pace myself and be realistic about my stamina. Sometimes, saying no is necessary. Sometimes it's best not to try do everything in one day, but rather spread things out over a longer time. Asking for and receiving help—from a friend, a colleague, a family member or someone you pay—is an important fallback.

Tip #4: Protect Your Body from Further Damage

Chronic pain is considered a disease. The body releases negative hormones like cortisol that adversely affect the immune system and kidney functioning. With a weakened immune system, you may develop further injuries, damage and health problems.

So it's important to take care of yourself. Vitamins, healthy eating and regular visits to your doctor to maintain your body are essential to combat these ancillary problems.

Tip #5: Exercise

Endorphins are the most powerful form of pain medication that exists. They flood the body with well-being and heal the mind just as much. Because my pain is related to spinal conditions, the forms of exercise that most benefit me are dance classes, Pilates and stretching. If you have a condition that restricts your movements, you will have to be creative about what forms of exercise are realistic. Maybe only 20 minutes of slow walking a day is possible. Whatever form of exercise you choose, your goals should be to find exercises that compensate for your pain condition by building strength elsewhere; keep your heart healthy; and do not further damage your health.

Tip #6: Adequate Sleep

Chronic pain can affect your ability to sleep well (which, of course, also affects your ability to live a functional life). So it's important to train your body to sleep again at the normal time. Establish a regular schedule and routine for sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time in the morning. Have rituals before going to bed that relax the mind and body—soft music, a soothing cup of tea, reading or watching television. Splurge on delicious sheets and blankets that make your bed a haven. By reestablishing a normal sleep schedule, you have more energy and stamina to handle all of life's commitments.

Tip #7: Hobbies

When you're lying in bed, your mind may have nothing else to do but focus on your pain. It obsesses about the pain, and therefore you suffer even more.