There are two pathways that put you into the role of a victim. “Perceived wrong” Truly victimized With the first pathway, an event occurs in which you perceive that you have been wronged. However, it is a perception that is based on your “story” of how the events “invaded your … Read More
This story about how anger can affect the perception of pain involves one of my patients who had a complication from a revision spine fusion. Mike was a 52 year-old respiratory therapist who was very active–the man ran marathons. Years after an initial spine fusion at L5-S1 at age 30, … Read More
I would like to define some terms. Stress is a vague term. I think that one of the most important principles that I have learned is the stress is not the problem. It is your reaction to it that causes unpleasantness and an energy drain. I am going to define … Read More
There is a good chance that if you are reading this right now, your life is not exactly as you would like it to be. You are experiencing pain that is significantly altering your quality of life, and you are not very happy about it. The medical profession has not … Read More
It’s important to avoid thinking that if you could just get rid of your chronic pain, your life could move forward. Instead, focus on the idea that you’ll move your life forward, and the pain is going to do what it will do. The ultimate paradox is that by sequencing … Read More
After you have outlined and honestly assessed the variables in your life, you need to start to develop your vision for each of them. That is, what do you want the different parts of your life to eventually look like? You may feel that you have a hundred reasons or … Read More
To answer this question, outline the important areas of your life. For each of these areas, assess in writing: 1) your current situation and 2) the tools and resources you have to solve any problems. Health–both general health and chronic pain Family Friends Work/career Hobbies/Recreation It is important to be … Read More
To start the goal-setting process, first write down three questions: Where am I now? Where do I want to go? How am I going to get there? Figuring out where you are is critical. Start by assessing your current skills and assets. In the context of chronic pain, this step … Read More
There is a lot of controversy in my mind regarding this category of drugs. I have never seen them be very useful. Although the side effects are not severe, they just don’t seem to have much effect other than making you a little drowsy. I am not adamantly against them, … Read More
Treating depression in the short term with medications is very effective. However, drugs are not a substitute for stress management. Many patients are so beaten up by their pain, they cannot move forward without meds. Make sure you know whether the medication you are taking for depression is meant to … Read More