My local pain management doc put me in touch with a very special therapist, who combines PT, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching and movement to deal with chronic pain. You are right, life is not perfect (and arthritis continues to bedevil my whole body) but now I have a wide variety of coping strategies in my toolbox - none of which is a narcotic. And I always have the option of Mayo's Pain Rehab if we get beyond what I have already learned.
Sue

Thank you! It's nice to have you join us, and the conversation, with such a positive outlook...it's contagious you know.

Outside of Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center, my experience with pain management has been options of needles, medication, injections, and implants. This approach is like placing a Band-Aid on chronic pain... temporary. I understand trying it, I certainly did for 2 years with great hope. It did not work well enough, it made me keep coming back for more, and it also began intensifying my pain, hence Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS).

CSS is when the central nervous system has become upregulated and chronic pain and symptoms occur. Pain stems from our brain which is our body's computer. As the body is entered via surgeries, implants, injections, it adds to already sensitive sensors becoming oversensitized and can intensify pain. Our brain benefits most from retraining, similar to rewiring a computer.

All in all, taking a different approach to pain management through a program like Mayo PRC can be life changing.

Good luck with your upcoming appointment. Be your best advocate by having knowledge, asking questions, and doing what you think is best for you. I wish you the best. Will you keep me posted on your progress?

Here is a helpful, quick video for anyone seeking to understand chronic pain.