CHRONIC PAIN CHAMPIONS
  • Home
  • Pain truth
  • Free e-book
  • Pain Quiz
  • Education
  • Resources
  • Go forward
  • Think Positive
  • About
  • Event Calendar
  • Connect

Live well,
despite chronic pain

Changing the way we think about and manage pain

Our dangerous fear of pain

5/5/2020

 
Picture
Picture
Dr. James Hudson wrote this telling and controversial article published November 27, 2019 in the Washington Post – generating 1,400 comments.

The article expressed his views regarding the growth of opioid prescriptions and the importance of reducing the fear of chronic pain.  

​Whether you agree or disagree with his thoughts regarding opioids, there is merit in exploring his contention regarding the fear of pain.  Research has shown pain related fear is associated with more pain intensity and disability.

In one part of the article, Dr. Hudson shared what I think is an extremely helpful metaphor:
“In many ways, learning to live with chronic pain is like learning to live next to the El in Chicago. This above ground transit system is old and loud.  It roars past homes and businesses.  Nearby residents feel the vibrations; it can be so noisy that they pause their conversations while the train goes by.  Yet those who think a lower rent is worth the annoyance report that the sound soon ceases to be disruptive.  You get used to it.  Getting angry every time a train passes is a sure way to obsess over it.  Our body’s pain system works the same way.  The more we learn to calm it down, the less it bothers us; the more we try to be pain free, the more it takes over our lives.”

What has been your experience?  Can you relate to what he wrote in the article about accepting pain and not being afraid of it? 

Check out a mix of great article reads in the education tab.


Comments are closed.

    Welcome

    Chronic Pain Champions is an information resource/blog/support group to help chronic pain patients, their families, and friends, as well as healthcare professionals. Learn more about this site and the author.

    Free e-book: Chronic Pain Won't Stop Me


    Understanding pain Accepting pain
    Adjusting to pain
    Adapting to pain
    ​Recovering from pain


    Content presented is for informational purposes only and should be used in conjunction with healthcare professionals.  It is not meant to replace professional advice. 

    Archives

    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019

    Categories

    All
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    Communication
    Comprehensive Treatment
    Coping Skills
    General
    Manage Pain
    Mindfulness
    Opiods
    Pain Behavior
    Pain Support
    Planning
    Resources
    Understand Pain

    Tweets by PainChampions
    ​© 2021
    Tom Bowen
    Chronic Pain Champions
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Pain truth
  • Free e-book
  • Pain Quiz
  • Education
  • Resources
  • Go forward
  • Think Positive
  • About
  • Event Calendar
  • Connect