Love this!
Outside the box = problem solving.
Chronic pain requires problem solving. Don't give up and give in, find ways to work smarter not harder.

Great suggestions @jenatsky

Absolutely - "thinking outside the box" - if the box is what we think of as traditional medical treatment - because chronic pain is like a multi-headed beast that is trying to take over one's life. I found the solution(s) are different for each person, and not every effort is going to meet with immediate success, the key is finding the pieces that work and pursuing them diligently.

One very important piece for me is finding endeavors that distract me on days when the pain wants to take over. If I can't garden, I stretch or walk, I quilt or sew or plan my next project, or even get lost in a good book... One friend gets out and walks her dog, taking in the sights and sounds of the day, and loosening sore muscles... Another sets herself 2 tasks for the day, and makes sure she does them, then anything else she accomplishes is "even better"... And all of us watch out for one another.

Sue