Why is it that we pain visits us and then for some reason takes us permanent residency?

Why is it that we pain visits us and then for some reason takes us permanent residency?

I would like to share some insights on why pain can seem to come into our lives and then sticks around longer than we expect.

Pain is a complex experience that can stem from various sources, both physical and emotional. Here are a few key reasons why it may feel like pain is just an occasional visitor, but then makes itself at home:

1. Injuries,  Pain and Long Term Conditions: Pain often starts with an injury or illness. While acute pain usually lessens as we heal, certain conditions can lead to persistent pain that continues long after the initial injury has healed.

2. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Emotional pain, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, can linger and affect your overall well-being. When you endure significant emotional challenges, those feelings may persist and contribute to a pain cycle of discomfort and distress.

3. Neurological Changes: The brain is capable of changing how it processes pain. If you experience persistent pain frequently, it can create a feedback loop that reinforces those sensations, making it feel more permanent.

4. Adapting to Persistent Pain: Over time, some people find ways to adapt to living with pain, almost normalising the experience. This can lead to a situation where pain feels like a part of everyday life, making it harder to break free and get back in the driving seat.

5. Impact of Environment and Support Systems: Your surroundings, where you live / work, social connections, and the level of support you receive can greatly influence how you self manage or unable too. 

This is where supported self-management comes in, a crucial aspect I address in the Pain Toolkit. Supported self-management involves taking an active role in understanding and managing your pain, often with the help of a support network. Here’s how it can be beneficial:

- Understanding Your Pain: Gaining knowledge about what triggers and sustains your pain can re-empower you to take better control of your situation.

- Setting Achievable Goals: Working with healthcare professionals, you can establish realistic goals for managing your pain—whether that’s reducing symptoms or enhancing your overall quality of life.

- Developing Self Management Strategies: Using the Pain Toolkit 5 Pain Self Management skills to help you get back on track

1. Setting Goals and Action Plans

2. Pacing Daily Activities

3. Problem Solving

4. Meaningful Movement

5. Dealing with Setbacks

IMPORTANT: Get an experienced Pain Self Management Coach to help and support you. Or alternatley register for the Pain Toolkit Academy Online Course paintoolkit.thinkific.com/ 

- Building a Support Network: Surrounding yourself with supportive people—friends, family, or health professionals—can make a significant difference. Their encouragement can help you stay committed to your self-management approach.

Summing up:  While pain can be a persistent challenge, taking an active role in managing it and seeking out support can lead to meaningful changes. Using the tools and strategies from the Pain Toolkit, you can navigate your pain journey with greater confidence and improve your quality of life. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.

Pete Moore

Originator of the Pain Toolkit