CHRONIC PAIN IS A VICIOUS CYCLE…
by Niki Wyre
Living with chronic pain can make the most simple tasks hard to do. It is a constant drain on you physically and emotionally. The image above is the best diagram I have come across to show exactly how chronic pain feeds into the constant cycle.
Chronic pain can cause loss of sleep, stress, anxiety, increased pain, increased depression and more. Getting out of this cycle can be almost impossible to do. The best way in lessening the cycle above is by getting a doctor who will effectively manage both your pain causing condition as well as your pain levels. Almost 80 percent of our members don’t feel that their pain is adequately managed! That’s 4 out of 5 individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. If you aren’t satisfied with your current management, please talk to your doctor about it or seek another medical professional. Some members have reported better results in keeping their pain managed by utilizing a pain management specialist.
Interested in becoming a writer for rachicks.com? We are looking for volunteers to keep the knowledge going to all our members. Interested individuals can email Niki by filling out the form below.
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I am brand new to RA, just started taking methotrexate, any tips on what to take so I can sleep?
Absolutely Great Website – I suddenly feel like I am not alone! Keep up the good work! – Debbi
Debbi,
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnostic. When I was diagnosed with RA in 2004, I started aqua (pool exercise) aerobic. It helped me ease the join pain and also help me sleep better. The key is to work with your doctor to find the correct combination of medications. I have to combine methotrexate with Enbrel to mange the chronic pain. I recently started Orencia and it works better for me. I am so glad that I have found the correct combination of drugs that works for me. I join kickboxing and zumba at the local gym and love to be able to do the things I love to do. Hang in there, things will get better. Keep moving!
Lisa