Chronic pain - Somatic tracking/mind/body approach?

As long as I know the cause of the pain I have always used distraction techniques before resorting to pain killers.

Mind over matter.

I wish it was as easy as that Elizabeth27 - I am a very determined person too but couldn’t overcome the pain with mind over matter but thank you for your thoughts on this.

I am a sufferer of chronic pain too.
I have just had a very quick look at somatic tracking.
It seems to be coming from the same place as a treatment for anxiety disorder (from which I also suffer. I’m a laugh a minute, me!)

Glad you have been able to control your pain. But my pain is purely physical and not in my mind. I have suffered for 34 years. I have a nuerolocial condition which effects my 4 limbs. I take daily pain killers but they don't get rid of it. But I tolerate it. I suppose over the years my pain is worse but I have learnt to live with it. I have pain flares which annoys the hell out of me as it stops me doing what I want be only for a few days before it goes back down to the level I tolerate. I don't let it stop me living my life to the full. I was 29 when it started now 63.

I know for some people crippling pain stops them living their lives to the full but they live the best life they can. They are more than their pain.

I’m going to have a look at this. Thank you Frogs. I have flare ups of inflammatory burning pain in various parts of my body. Trips to the doctors over the years create the same old cycle of blood tests then nothing. It’s not that the better doctors don’t believe me but I don’t tick enough boxes for referral elsewhere. So I do actively manage it all, and live my life, so any new tools in the box are welcome.

Elizabeth27

As long as I know the cause of the pain I have always used distraction techniques before resorting to pain killers.

Mind over matter.

If only it was that easy.

I am a great believer in mind over matter, however, for some of us with lifetime, chronic pain, due to progressive, inflammatory conditions, distraction techniques have little or no effect. I wish they did.

Frogs, that is great news to hear that you have found a way
to reduce your pain.

Ali23

I’m going to have a look at this. Thank you Frogs. I have flare ups of inflammatory burning pain in various parts of my body. Trips to the doctors over the years create the same old cycle of blood tests then nothing. It’s not that the better doctors don’t believe me but I don’t tick enough boxes for referral elsewhere. So I do actively manage it all, and live my life, so any new tools in the box are welcome.

Please do look into this Ali23 if it can help just one person I think my work is done. I’d highly recommend the audio version of the book in particular I found it life changing.

youtu.be/3u3hvrOUvz8

I hope the link works ??

I will try anything, it's certainly worth a go by the sound of it, but with an arthritic spine I don't really feel very optimistic about success.

henetha

I will try anything, it's certainly worth a go by the sound of it, but with an arthritic spine I don't really feel very optimistic about success.

henetha - I am 75 and a recent MRI scan showed I have some arthritis of the spine, some bulging of discs, inflammation and degeneration but the process worked for me - so definitely worth a try - good luck.

Thank you Frog, the link worked. I also found some videos from The Pain PT on the same thing.

That’s good Ali23 - I got the full audio version of the book on a free trial from Amazon audio, you have to remember to cancel before the month is up if you do not wish to continue your audio membership - but you get to keep the book. It is really soothing and calming to listen to.
There’s a lot of stuff out there when you know what you’re looking for. Ive watched a few videos of the Pain PT and also videos demonstrating Somatic tracking.
I joined a Facebook page Tell me about your pain Community which I find interesting with lots of reassurance on it.

Thank you Frogs. Sounds brilliant..

I've just ordered the book online.

I listen to podcasts quite a lot and I recently heard this one on chronic pain, it included lots of fascinating information about the latest understanding of pain. It's worth listening to:

www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/chronic-pain/13733788

The programme description:
While sufferers of chronic pain undoubtedly experience real pain and its subsequent impact on their lives, researchers are understanding more and more about the role the mind plays in the way each person feels pain, and have begun to explore of idea of 'unlearning' pain.

Indira Naidoo was joined by Lyndal Byford from Australian Science Media Centre, and Lorimer Moseley, a Bradley Distinguished Professor at the University of South Australia to explore the relationship between pain and the mind.

Duration: 40min 53sec
Broadcast: Sun 30 Jan 2022, 10:00pm

henetha

I've just ordered the book online.

That’s good henetha I hope you find the book helpful like I did and the process works for you too ?

Thanks so much for this info Frogs. I am very interested in neuroscience and how the mind/body interact and this sounds really interesting. I also know a couple of people who may benefit from this book.

Jillyjosie2 - I will definitely have a listen to that podcast Jilly thanks so much for posting the link.
It’s such good news that people are starting to get the message out about something that might help people who are in chronic pain.
Unfortunately when I mention the brain retraining exercises detailed in the book I often notice people’s eyes glazing over even though they might benefit as they are in chronic pain themselves. It’s such a shame.

Frogs I have a friend who has suffered chronic pain for 20 years and I hate to see her suffering, she really has to pace herself and she is on tramadol most of the time.

Thanks for all your comments. I wish I could give them a thumbs up like we can on Facebook but be assured I have read them all. Let me know how you get on ??

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The book sounds helpful Frogs, I usually buy a kindle format so I can adjust the print size but if I need to refer back and for as with recipes or exercises then a printed version is more practical. Which would be best do you think? I am a great believer that your mind can heal your body, along with medical advice of course.