Exercise & chronic pain anyone?

Am I correct in assuming you only work out one day a week? That's a start! I hope it's not too taxing as you do want to start slow. I'd get clearance from my MD about the chronic pain I was having and ask for a list of OK exercises. I'm going to assume, not knowing more about your issues, that walking would be OK. Assuming that it is, I'd walk, for as long as I could, on the days I was too tired for the gym classes. Most gyms have a walking course if the weather sucks. That way you can get in 3 workouts or more a week to help you get into shape. It will also get you in a good workout habit Start slow and be nice to yourself!

I have chronic back pain, bad knee, and through physio worked on core strengthening to get to the point where I can work out pain free. Weight loss had helped too as it takes pressure off the joints. The more I work out, the better I feel. When I stop exercising, my pains return to my back and hips. Keep moving within your range of motion, which will increase the more you exercise.

I have Small Fiber Neuropathy which is a nerve disease. Any amount of exercising or just being on my feet too much, which being a teacher I do a lot of. This causes tingling, electric shocks, spasms, burning, etc. in my feet, legs and hands. My neurologist told me to only do what I can, when I can, but to move so I don't lose muscle strength. For two years I was unable to move at all because the pain was so severe and the weight I worked so hard to lose starting packing back on. The right medications were finally found after so many trial and errors and so many side effects. I still deal with pain, especially, if I push myself too much, which I am known to do a lot, but grateful that I am up off the couch and feeling better these days.

I suffer chronic pain in lower back, and both my shoulders, and my knees and hips. Pretty much all my life. I'm 31. It holds me back a lot. And I've spent a lot of time on the couch depressed too. Finally I said to myself that sitting around isn't helping. I've started the couch to 5 k app and I've been successful with it. And am trying to get into strength training although I have to avoid some things altogether like push-ups. My shoulders really limit me. Anyways, I still suffer a lot but it seems like moving helps. I have good days and bad days as opposed to all bad days.

Ay other chronic pain sufferers feel free to add me. If you're like me you probably feel alone with it.

Amanda

Many chronic pain sufferers such as myself, have found that strictly limiting processed sugars and grains, especially wheat, has an amazing effect on pain and energy levels. It can be difficult to cut them at first, as we generally reach for these items when we hurt or are tired, but if you can cut them out for 2 days, you should see a noticeable difference.

Most chronic pain comes from inflammation, and these foods can be very inflammatory for some people.

I seriously went from using a walker or wheelchair, to being able to walk around short distances without even my cane on most days.
Pain no longer wakes me up every morning.
I have also lost 50 pounds in the process and am able to be much more active.

I have PsA, OA in knees, and spine, and Cauda Equina Syndrome in my lower spine, (nerves are stuck together and scarred over due to chronic inflammation of my spinal cord). Plus numerous collapsed disks and bone spurs thru out my spine.

I still take some prescriptions for pain and inflammation, but not nearly as much as I used to.

When I go off track and start eating higher carbs again, like I have been for much of the past year, I certainly feel the difference. I have been back on plan for the past 3 days and the pain levels are way down again. The scale is starting to move again as well.

I suggest everyone that lives with chronic pain and fatigue to try it. Can't promise that it will work as well for everyone else, but it certainly is worth a try!