Moderation and Modification: How can it help your chronic pain?

Posted by Rachel, Volunteer Mentor @rwinney, Jul 5, 2022

Moderation involves how much, how long, or how fast you do things to avoid overdoing or underdoing activities during your day.

To practice moderation:
~ Break apart lengthy tasks.
~ Alternate activities.
~ Prioritize tasks.
~ Take frequent rest breaks.
~ Work at a moderate pace.
~ Change the frequency of tasks.
~ Delegate.
~ Set time limits.

Modification involves changing how you perform your activity to help conserve energy and reduce risk of injury.

Examples of modification:
~ Maintain good posture and body mechanics with all activities.
~ Work sitting down when possible; conserve energy.
~ Bend your knees, not your back to reach items or perform task
below hip height.
~ Use tools appropriate for the job. These can include long-handle,
light weight, padded ergonomic grip handles, appropriate lengths
for your height and task.
~ Push rather than pull to move heavy items. Ask for help when
needed (delegate).
~ Alternate positions.

What moderation and modification tips do you think would help you with your chronic symptoms? Are you applying any currently? How do you feel about opening your mind to trying them, if not?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@rwinney

I'm sorry you are struggling. You're not alone, many of us have been in the depths of it and feel as you do right now. Sounds to me like you're working hard to advocate for yourself and problem solve. Keep up that good work and give yourself some grace, You recognize that your psychological state will improve with physical abilities. Even though it's hard, try to dig deep and purposefully look for what it is you CAN do in the moment verses what you can't. Can you actively use yours arms to lift a can or water bottle for some conditioning? Can you do legs exercises while laying in bed? Something that helps you feel like you are accomplishing physically activity may help.

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Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I am able to walk some. I am dizzy but do not have classic vertigo. I walk pretty safely on a level surface. I keep a fairly regular schedule for rest and activity. I go to LOTS of doctor and therapy appointments, and would say (haha), I am still a big advocate for myself, and my treatment even though I am weary of no results!
It is a very frustrating situation for me. I know a lot of it is that I refuse to accept where I am in this illness. I suppose I will accept over time. (No choice!)

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@dloos

Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I am able to walk some. I am dizzy but do not have classic vertigo. I walk pretty safely on a level surface. I keep a fairly regular schedule for rest and activity. I go to LOTS of doctor and therapy appointments, and would say (haha), I am still a big advocate for myself, and my treatment even though I am weary of no results!
It is a very frustrating situation for me. I know a lot of it is that I refuse to accept where I am in this illness. I suppose I will accept over time. (No choice!)

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For me acceptance took bravery, courage and time. Coming to terms with the cards that are dealt is half of the battle towards understanding life isn't over it just needs to be reset. Speaking to a therapist may help, reading self-help books, journaling, being here on Connect and understanding that you're not alone while looking for solutions on better ways to manage those cards your dealt may help. It's all a process. I remember at one point I said to myself, I Surrender. That did not mean that I gave up on myself that did not mean that I wasn't going to still have a will to make the most out of what I do have that just meant that I surrendered to what life physically is for me now and took it as a challenge to find ways to do the best with what I have. Navigating the time for when we keep pushing for new tests, second third fourth fifth opinions, trying more meds and having more procedures versus settling our nervous system down and giving it all a break and rest. Obviously if doctors tell you they're still things to figure out medically , then by all means, commence on but if you get to the point where it's about managing chronic conditions then my best advice is to dig in think it through and start problem solving through ways like moderation and modification. Have you actively participated in a post-covid support group, or rehab program?

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@rwinney

For me acceptance took bravery, courage and time. Coming to terms with the cards that are dealt is half of the battle towards understanding life isn't over it just needs to be reset. Speaking to a therapist may help, reading self-help books, journaling, being here on Connect and understanding that you're not alone while looking for solutions on better ways to manage those cards your dealt may help. It's all a process. I remember at one point I said to myself, I Surrender. That did not mean that I gave up on myself that did not mean that I wasn't going to still have a will to make the most out of what I do have that just meant that I surrendered to what life physically is for me now and took it as a challenge to find ways to do the best with what I have. Navigating the time for when we keep pushing for new tests, second third fourth fifth opinions, trying more meds and having more procedures versus settling our nervous system down and giving it all a break and rest. Obviously if doctors tell you they're still things to figure out medically , then by all means, commence on but if you get to the point where it's about managing chronic conditions then my best advice is to dig in think it through and start problem solving through ways like moderation and modification. Have you actively participated in a post-covid support group, or rehab program?

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The group I am with now has various support groups. I’m sill fairly new with it so not sure what will work for me.
If my condition would just stabilize I think I’d be able to do many of the things you mention. The fact that I am still getting worse keeps me frantically looking for help. I know it probably makes me worse.....but, that’s where I am.
Of course my fear is that I will be totally deaf and blind.

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