Low Back Pain Going into Hip and Leg

I have had chronic pain on my left side of my neck (like I slept wrong?) and severe pain in my legs, hip, and other joints. Also a chronic headache. It seems these problems didn't start until I had my second COVID vaccine! I won't take prescription pain meds, due to the addictive issues, but I have been taking Tylonal and Naproxin along with using arthritis rubs. Nothing seems to help!! I just wondering what is going on and should I see a specialist?

@jack57 First, congratulations on how you handle your pain. I'm impressed, but not surprised. Second, thank you for your service. I love that you say you approach pain like an enemy position that needs to be eliminated. You are a great example to many in the way you sought mindfulness teachings from the VA and changed the narrative of your pain.

I learned at Mayo's Pain Rehab Center that hurt does not equal harm. in the case of chronic pain. Once chronic is established and there is no fix or cure, we realize there is no choice but to learn better ways to live with what we've got, or the alternative of sitting around complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves. Sure that part will sneak in, but the important thing is to know how to handle it when it does and get back in the saddle again. Don't let your life box get smaller from chronic pain. That means a full on approach of physical conditioning, emotional stability and support, behavioral changes, and omitting or reducing chemicals.

Thank you @jack57 for giving examples of how you slowly progress your walking with slower, smaller steps. Keep up the great work!

Have you seen this conversation discussing SMART GOALS?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/smart-goals-and-chronic-pain-how-smart-are-you/

Thanks tons for your reply. I have never let the day happen to me. I happen to the day. Pain is just another challenge. I also break up the things I like to do into smaller steps. I plan it out. Then I can do it. It may take ten times longer, but I succeed. I also found that sitting around an being a victim was the worst. Pretty soon you either don’t like yourself, or, you tell yourself to buck up. I bucked up. It’s super important to have an exercise regime that you enjoy. I researched it a lot. Tried little things and found stuff that worked. Attitude is a lot of it with me. And, like you advised,know when you need help. There are days the pain is beyond control. The folks at the hospital know me and my issues. If I get there soon enough we cut pain off at the pass! Mostly though? Find joy, laugh, play…joy is my best medicine. As long as I’m still semi dangerous…the day is mine! Thanks @rwinney your a peach.

@jack57 Aww, thank you! You are welcome.. Your an inspiration!! 🤩

Thanks for sharing strategies, that work for you, with the Connect community.

Exercise is a valuable part of my pain management plan too, as is scheduling, moderation, distraction, humor, and finding joy. You said it... find joy.

Joy doesn't always come knocking on your door, sometimes you have to go looking for it, and spread it yourself.

I look forward to reading more about your future progress and goals. Noone said this chronic pain thing was easy...keep marching before you feel like it! 💪🏼

I love your attitud e. When you said "I happen to the day. Pain is just another challenge. I also break up the things I like to do into smaller steps. I plan it out. Then I can do it. It may take ten times longer, but I succeed."

My daughter is rehabbing an old house. Unfortunately, she broke her arm badly as soon as she bought it. My husband and I, being "of that age" both have arthritis and other challenges. She desperately wanted a new-to-her light fixture installed in the dining room. She was not allowed on the ladder, my husband was having trouble with his shoulders, and I wasn't strong enough to manage the task alone...so, she stood on the floor handing up tools and parts, he went up one side of the Little Giant ladder to hold the fixture in place, and I went up the other to twist the wires together, put on the wirenuts, attach the fixture to the bracket and the globes to the fixture. When we finished, I said "how many people does it take to replace a light fixture?" and we all had a fit of giggles. But we succeeded!

That's our approach to most tasks.

Keep on moving!
Sue

@jack57 Aww, thank you! You are welcome.. Your an inspiration!! 🤩

Thanks for sharing strategies, that work for you, with the Connect community.

Exercise is a valuable part of my pain management plan too, as is scheduling, moderation, distraction, humor, and finding joy. You said it... find joy.

Joy doesn't always come knocking on your door, sometimes you have to go looking for it, and spread it yourself.

I look forward to reading more about your future progress and goals. Noone said this chronic pain thing was easy...keep marching before you feel like it! 💪🏼

@betterway Hello there. I'm sorry to read of your chronic pain and am glad you found Connect for support. I too was frustrated and depressed once I became permanently disabled and lost my career. It was quite the journey of finding new acceptance in order to free myself and allow myself to live a new stable, moderate and flexible, chronic pain life

Have you ever considered attending a pain rehab program such as the Mayo Clinic or another comprehensive program?

@loribroda I'm sorry to hear of your chronic pain. Have you discussed the situation with your general practitioner? Exactly how long have your symptoms been occurring?

I'm attaching a video about Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8defN4iIbho
CSS is an upregulation of the central nervous system which can be brought on by many factors and cause many symptoms. It's an interesting watch.

Do you mind letting me know what you think of the video?

Very interesting video.
Thank you for posting this!