5 Tips for Coping with Chronic Pain

Humans are amazingly creative; there's no end to the methods we use to cope with our struggles.

Some of us eat our way through problems. Some of us whine and complain incessantly. Some of us get angry, lash out and push away anyone who tries to help.

But none of these tactics actually works. Coping requires positive action.

So how do you cope with your chronic pain?

I'm an eternal optimist, so at first I tried to power through. I was certain that food and lack of exercise was the culprit so I changed my diet and got a trainer - one who was in the process of qualifying for the Olympics. Her method was "go big or go home" so I just about exercised myself to death.

My pain issue wasn't solved and while I'm still an optimist, I'm a realist too. The pain is here to stay.

Forever... unless God heals me.

Maybe you find yourself in a similar situation and need some new ideas. If so, I hope these tips will work for you as well as they do for me.

Tip # 1 - Trust in God

Though there's no cure for my condition and hopes for one are a long way off, my biggest comfort is knowing God is for me. And while I certainly don't like to suffer, I know he has a plan for it. God is for you too! The Bible says: For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them but has listened to their cries for help. Psalm 22:24.

Tip # 2 - Change Positions

My disease comes with musculoskeletal pain so sitting or standing in one place for too long is difficult for me. Making a conscious effort to change positions at least once an hour is a must, but I admit sometimes it's hard to do, especially at the movies or in church. So give yourself permission to fidget away!

Tip # 3 - Distract Yourself

Distractibility isn't usually considered a positive trait, but it's an essential skill to learn for pain sufferers. We can use healthy and fun distractions to take our minds off ourselves - heck, we need to take our minds off ourselves. So go to the movies, shoot pool or take a walk in the park. 

Tip # 4  - Take Care

Take time for self care! Caring for yourself is not selfish, it's imperative. Naps, soothing baths, massage, eating right and exercising are critical to good health.

Tip # 5  - Encourage Others

Suffering is all around us. The one benefit (if there is one) is that my eyes are opened to the suffering of others. I can now see the grimace on the face of the cashier standing for long hours. I'm more patient with the slow pace of the elderly woman ahead of me in line. I no longer judge people who can't lift, and bend and reach. I take time to sympathize, listen and pray for them. 

Suffering is not for wimps but through our weakness, God is strong.

Now you: Please share a coping tip that helps you get through the day!

Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. Job 4:4

Trials and tests: God's crown of victory for the afflicted

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Are you under a trial right now? Do you realize that God is testing you through it?

Standing the test is not easy - heck, some days it even seems downright impossible. Those of us living with chronic pain know the struggle well. We face days of isolation, loss of friendships and the roiling emotions that come with it. Some days, we struggle just to get out of bed.

But my friends, our struggle is not without gain. Look at the promise God's made to us if we remain firm in our faith.

We get a crown. Not just any old crown, but the crown of life!

Our Lord Jesus, was given a crown of thorns by a mob of brutal Roman soldiers right before he was crucified. In ancient days thorns symbolized a curse, but the crown is a symbol of power and victory. These men, in their attempt to mock and humiliate, unwittingly bestowed a great honor upon him.

And this is the type of crown we will receive when we've stood firm in our time of testing. Oh, we may not see it in this life, but we can be certain we'll receive it.

Why?

Because God has promised it to us and our sovereign king always keeps his promises.

So stand firm lovely ones because our blessing is on the way!

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12, 13

Top 5 Tools for Coping with Chronic Pain

"The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom." Arthur Schopenhauer

Living with chronic pain is exhausting, and coping with it can be a daily struggle. Admitting that we need help is always the first step to healing. Today I'm going to share my top five tools with you. Every body is different, but these are the "go to" items I use consistently:

1. The Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Massager - This is a tool recommended to me by my physical therapist and costs about $ 40.00 from Amazon. I use it to apply pressure to the painful knots and tension areas that are part of living with Fibromyalgia. There are several good web videos about how to use the device or a similar one called the Theracane. Here's a pic of mine:

2.  Heating Pad/Hot baths - I use heat therapy at least twice a day and on severe pain days, I'll go to sleep on my heating pad that has a two hour automatic shut off. These are easily purchased at almost any pharmacy.

3.  Tiger Balm - Oh how I love my Tiger Balm! It smells minty and pungent, but it gets the job done, especially when I have to drive more than 2 hours. It's sold at CVS and can be found near the arthritis pain relievers. There are different levels of hot and the one I'm showing you is fiery, so be careful. You may not want to start out with Red Extra Strength; the white salve is gentler. Here's what it looks like:

4.  Ice therapy - Ice therapy is my least favorite because I love warmth and coziness -  ice is definitely not cozy. It can be soothing however, and this cute little ice pack I got at Marshall's makes me hate it less.

5.  Pain Coach App from WebMD - This is my favorite new gadget. I've been using this free app for a month now, and it helps me track pain and stay mindful of my body. I tried writing a pain journal for awhile and just couldn't keep up with it. But this little baby checks in with me, and reminds me to record my pain so I can share it with my doctor.

Don't let pain steal your joy and above all else, pray daily for God's strength and help, because he is faithful and wonderful!

"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."John 10:10 NLT