Pain management regimen?

[cst216]

Good morning! 

Anyway, the reason I am writing this is to basically clear my head after actually getting 4 hours of sleep (granted it was lying on the floor in a fetal position with pillows all around me!)

I've suffered moderate to severe pain for almost 6 years nonstop since my injury and have found alot of things that affect my pain.  Most notably isnt my medication or physical condition. It's my mental condition, my emotional side, and how well "in check" it is.  I always tend to be a pessimist so things rarely work out in good shape for me, and understandably so. I find that on good days, when I don't hurt so much, I actually feel good! Conversely, on those really horrid days when I hurt like nothing else... Of course my outlook is on the flip side of things.

Can anyone suggest any non-standard treatments or things they've tried that help improve your outlook/mood relating to your pain and injury?  I've tried alot of different tactics ranging from the usual : medication, tens, therapy/exercise, etc.  To many what are considered non-standard like : acupuncture, acupressure and meditation.  Does anyone have any positive experiences with these or others along those lines?  After acupuncture, I was probably the most relaxed (not quite pain free!),but incredibly relaxed and felt at peace, and could actually deal with the pain unlike before.

Thanks,

Chris

[chrisarnold]

Hi CST,

How often we hear it's all in your head! The brain can detect pain or feeling where it "should not". I have achieved some benefit from yoga. Being T12 complete, I do have upper body freedom. Spinal exercise and deep breathing have gone hand in hand to help both the neurological pain, and have helped me feel more upbeat. It is only fair to recognise the fact that there are not that many teachers of yoga around, and those that visit are even fewer on the ground. Since doing manual leg flexions (long sitting in bed) I have a greater feeling of integration with my legs even though they do not have true touch sensation.

Meditation takes many different forms and comes from different traditions, but I have found it (eastern) helpful in maintaining more equanimity about my being. Generally since returning to the yoga that I can still perform, I have felt better all round. I am coming to believe that bowel and bladder care have improved as well. A web reference that may help is: http://matthewsanford.com/

Very best wishes

Chris.