Running..and chronic pain sufferers?

bluefox9er · July 2012

Hi guys..

I have recently taken up running and also suffer from chronic pain.

My pain is down to Cervical Spondylosis, which is currently in regression, but I am aware that that extreme pain may return at any point soon...indeed, I am sensing the precursor symptoms to my last epic period of chronic pain coming along.

As a nice little added extra, this condition comes with arthritis as bonus. I'm curious if there are any runners out there who also suffer from chronic pain and if they continue to run? My pain is in my neck,shoulder and elbow.

I have made steady progress with my running and would be beyond devastated if I had to stop running because of a new episode of chronic pain.

I have spoken to my GP, and he is pretty much incompetent and says any exercise is fine ( he actually googled my condition, I saw him do it), but I'm not sure if in 'the real' world if pain sufferers can continue with their running.

I have also managed an emergency appointment with my local hospital for April next year to see an Rheumatologist. I am hoping by this time, the pain might have regressed. Right now, the pain is irritating and not debilitating.

Pain is horrible, but I will fight it every single step if I have to.

Thank you.

MaraDiaz · July 2012

This may not be what you want to hear, and may not apply to you, since I don't know if we have the same spinal issues, but I have a bad back and have for years. When I throw it out the pain is excrutiating and can last for months.

So I jog. Sometimes I break into a sprint. And if I feel even the slightest twinge of pain or instability because the muscles around my back are tiring, I drop back to a fast walk immediately. So no, I can't do an extended run or even a jog, at least not now, maybe eventually those muscles will be strong enough. But at least I can get outside or get on the treadmill and walk/jog/run/walk repeat without putting my back out. I'm doubly careful with things like weights.

If your doctor knows nothing, could you get a referral to a specialist?

Jezebel9 · July 2012

I have had chronic pain and major depression for many years- every year it got worse. I have a herniated disc in my c spine and the meds really didn't work, were too much a threat to my life/health and hurt my kidneys pretty bad. So I quit.
I moved to a state which has a medical cannabis program and I have been taking it at night, in the form of canna-butter for over a year.
It completely treats my chronic pain- my incapacitating episodes are reduced by about 99%
It completely treats my major depression
I am now able to work out and I love it... I am now able to lose weight (fat).
I get very good sleep most of the time
I have stopped it 'cold turkey' on occasion to see what would happen. Nothing happened except that after 3 days the pain came back and I got a pinched nerve in my back.
I rarely smoke it- it is not really effective in the long run in this form.
I experience no bad side effects.
I use medical grade cannabis sativa.

The pharmaceutical industry is a top lobbyist in the USA against the legalization of cannabis for any reason.

I wish you the best of life and health.
8)

bluefox9er · July 2012

I have had chronic pain and major depression for many years- every year it got worse. I have a herniated disc in my c spine and the meds really didn't work, were too much a threat to my life/health and hurt my kidneys pretty bad. So I quit.
I moved to a state which has a medical cannabis program and I have been taking it at night, in the form of canna-butter for over a year.
It completely treats my chronic pain- my incapacitating episodes are reduced by about 99%
It completely treats my major depression
I am now able to work out and I love it... I am now able to lose weight (fat).
I get very good sleep most of the time
I have stopped it 'cold turkey' on occasion to see what would happen. Nothing happened except that after 3 days the pain came back and I got a pinched nerve in my back.
I rarely smoke it- it is not really effective in the long run in this form.
I experience no bad side effects.
I use medical grade cannabis sativa.

The pharmaceutical industry is a top lobbyist in the USA against the legalization of cannabis for any reason.

I wish you the best of life and health.
8)

I work for a pharmaceuticals company and totally agree with you as to the aggressive manner in which they lobby against alternative treatments. My doctor has prescribed me with a low dose of an anti-depressant to act as a muscle relaxant and last time I was eating oxynorm tablets as if they were m&m's at a movie theatre..and they did way more harm than good.
Thank you for your encouraging message.

coloradocami · July 2012

Everyone is diffident and I do not know what is the cause of your pain but if running aggravates your pain don't do it. I have Crohn's with RA in my large joints. I don't run much because I think it's too hard on my knees, but stay very active which I believe is key to keeping me healthy.
Listen to your body, if it hurts don't do it...at least not that day.:flowerforyou:
Peace and love my dear friend!
Cami

MaraDiaz · July 2012

I dislike how weed makes me feel, but I hate painkillers more and they never seem to work. If my back decides to give me trouble again, I just might have to move to a country where it's legal and the feds aren't poking their noses in where they don't belong, as they're now doing in Cali.

And yeah, the pharmaceutical industry is horrible.

Jezebel9 · July 2012

You are very welcome. 8) Don't give up on regaining the quality of your life. You can do it. I did.
:flowerforyou:

brendaschmitt1 · July 2012

Have you tried the elliptical or lifting weights? I have three bulging neck in my neck and tendonitis on my knees so I do not run. I use to be a long distance runner a long time ago, but had to change my workout. Walking has also helped me with getting back in shape.

Jewels_Ka · July 2012

Find another doctor! Asap! Sorry to hear about your struggle. To be honest my colleague suffers from rheumatory arthritis and he was forbidden to run. Or do any physical joint impacting exercise. If it hurts, you should listen. Pain killers are just to numb our brain. Its not a cure . Same with pot. Please consider swimming. I dont meen doggy paddling but actual race swimming. It can be very challenging.

suziecue66 · July 2012

I have had chronic pain and major depression for many years- every year it got worse. I have a herniated disc in my c spine and the meds really didn't work, were too much a threat to my life/health and hurt my kidneys pretty bad. So I quit.
I moved to a state which has a medical cannabis program and I have been taking it at night, in the form of canna-butter for over a year.
It completely treats my chronic pain- my incapacitating episodes are reduced by about 99%
It completely treats my major depression
I am now able to work out and I love it... I am now able to lose weight (fat).
I get very good sleep most of the time
I have stopped it 'cold turkey' on occasion to see what would happen. Nothing happened except that after 3 days the pain came back and I got a pinched nerve in my back.
I rarely smoke it- it is not really effective in the long run in this form.
I experience no bad side effects.
I use medical grade cannabis sativa.

The pharmaceutical industry is a top lobbyist in the USA against the legalization of cannabis for any reason.

I wish you the best of life and health.
8)

I work for a pharmaceuticals company and totally agree with you as to the aggressive manner in which they lobby against alternative treatments. My doctor has prescribed me with a low dose of an anti-depressant to act as a muscle relaxant and last time I was eating oxynorm tablets as if they were m&m's at a movie theatre..and they did way more harm than good.
Thank you for your encouraging message.

Magnesium would have relaxed your muscles. Gluten free may be the way to go for your condition. If running is causing some pain because of the jarring nature of running you may have to give it up.

Jezebel9 · July 2012

I dislike how weed makes me feel, but I hate painkillers more and they never seem to work. If my back decides to give me trouble again, I just might have to move to a country where it's legal and the feds aren't poking their noses in where they don't belong, as they're now doing in Cali.

And yeah, the pharmaceutical industry is horrible.

I really don't want to go through my day being high. Sometimes, for a certain purpose it is great, but in general- I just find it a little annoying in the long run.
That's why I take the canna butter at night. I just don't notice it when I am sleeping so well (something I didn't have for years). I am now a mom who can listen, run, play, make dinner and nurture. When you are in pain all the time- you can't be present for anyone else's needs... not even your own child. And Major Depression? Geez- even on the meds I was just on this side of catatonic and drooling on myself.
I believe it is time we take back our basic human rights... one of them being- to use natural herbs for healing.
I have the added bonus of knowing that, as a 'chronic' cannabis eater- I am unlikely to get cancer... meanwhile it seems like so many are dying or considering chemo.
Call me crazy, but I gave up being a law abiding citizen when I realized, that it was probably more moral to resist inhumane laws. Like the kind that makes sick and dying people have to become criminals in order to reclaim life and health.

Just my thoughts on the matter.
8)

suziecue66 · July 2012

DHA and curcumin
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2012/06/dha-curcumin-improve-walking-in-spinal-cord-injur.aspx

MaraDiaz · July 2012

I dislike how weed makes me feel, but I hate painkillers more and they never seem to work. If my back decides to give me trouble again, I just might have to move to a country where it's legal and the feds aren't poking their noses in where they don't belong, as they're now doing in Cali.

And yeah, the pharmaceutical industry is horrible.

I really don't want to go through my day being high. Sometimes, for a certain purpose it is great, but in general- I just find it a little annoying in the long run.
That's why I take the canna butter at night. I just don't notice it when I am sleeping so well (something I didn't have for years). I am now a mom who can listen, run, play, make dinner and nurture. When you are in pain all the time- you can't be present for anyone else's needs... not even your own child. And Major Depression? Geez- even on the meds I was just on this side of catatonic and drooling on myself.
I believe it is time we take back our basic human rights... one of them being- to use natural herbs for healing.
I have the added bonus of knowing that, as a 'chronic' cannabis eater- I am unlikely to get cancer... meanwhile it seems like so many are dying or considering chemo.
Call me crazy, but I gave up being a law abiding citizen when I realized, that it was probably more moral to resist inhumane laws. Like the kind that makes sick and dying people have to become criminals in order to reclaim life and health.

Just my thoughts on the matter.
8)

I'm glad you've found something that works, and I grieve at the senseless persecution heaped on those who need cannabis for their health. I'm a big fan of a book called "The Emperor Wears No Clothes", so I know how ridiculous this entire criminalization is. I think prohibition does more harm than good even in cases where the drug in question is absolutely harmful, such as heroin, because people still do it, and violent criminals make money off of it while killing each other and innocent bystanders. I'd rather see it all legalized.

That said, as a leftist activist, I find it smart to obey the law, since I already give those in authority reason to dislike and distrust me. I would simply prefer to move out of the country in any case. The majority of Americans are, for whatever reason, not pushing for legalization, so my philosophy is, let the majority rule, let the minority move. Of course if I were Native American, I might feel quite differently on that issue!

I wonder if there are countries that will accept someone under political asylum immigration laws over this issue? Would be nice.

Roni_M · July 2012

I have psoriatic arthritis with spondylitis & sacroiliitis so can relate. I'm sorry to say, rule # 1 from the rhuematolgist is absolutely no impact on an inflamed joint. Impact on a joint while it's inflamed leads to damage and running would be high impact. I was told I was not even allowed to walk for exercise during a flare in my back and swimming was the only exercise I was allowed to do.

Keep in mind that the inflammatory arthritis's are not the same as osteoarthritis (the wear and tear type). They are autoimmune diseases that can have systemic effects on various organs if you don't keep things in check. So it's not just "pain" that you need to worry about. Inflammation levels can trigger fevers and each disease has different organs that can be effected.

I don't mean to scare you, but your doctor sounds like he isn't familiar with this and your rheumy appointment is a long ways away. "Uncomfortable" is a pretty normal state for us and that's fine to work through, but if it turns to pain you should rest the joint (in this case your back). Use an ibuprofen product (Aleve, Advil, etc.). Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and will help more than Tylenol. Please be careful with your running and I hope the pain stays at bay!

Jezebel9 · July 2012

[quote

That said, as a leftist activist, I find it smart to obey the law, since I already give those in authority reason to dislike and distrust me. I would simply prefer to move out of the country in any case. The majority of Americans are, for whatever reason, not pushing for legalization, so my philosophy is, let the majority rule, let the minority move.

I believe there is a third choice... you know how people say love it or leave it? I believe in changing it- like the same way I am changing my body. I am a veteran and I love my country- I don't see myself leaving. I am a big fan of the criminal changers- people like Rosa Parks and Gandhi. I don't know what the majority of Americans are for in regards to legalization, because our media is owned and controlled and because those doing the controlling have lots of money (like the pharmaceutical industry) Some polls say the majority want legalization. Some say different.
The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly... What would majority opinion be if all the cannabis users and their dealers were in jail on their dime?
We already have more people in prison per capita than any other country in the world.
I know my views do not represent the majority- most people are not willing to go to jail for their beliefs.
That's ok.
The beginning is near. 8)
Thanks for the kind, thoughtful and respectful communication. 8)
Peace~

MaraDiaz · July 2012

[quote

That said, as a leftist activist, I find it smart to obey the law, since I already give those in authority reason to dislike and distrust me. I would simply prefer to move out of the country in any case. The majority of Americans are, for whatever reason, not pushing for legalization, so my philosophy is, let the majority rule, let the minority move.

I believe there is a third choice... you know how people say love it or leave it? I believe in changing it- like the same way I am changing my body. I am a veteran and I love my country- I don't see myself leaving. I am a big fan of the criminal changers- people like Rosa Parks and Gandhi. I don't know what the majority of Americans are for in regards to legalization, because our media is owned and controlled and because those doing the controlling have lots of money (like the pharmaceutical industry) Some polls say the majority want legalization. Some say different.
The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly... What would majority opinion be if all the cannabis users and their dealers were in jail on their dime?
We already have more people in prison per capita than any other country in the world.
I know my views do not represent the majority- most people are not willing to go to jail for their beliefs.
That's ok.
The beginning is near. 8)
Thanks for the kind, thoughtful and respectful communication. 8)
Peace~

I used to be like that, but I got tired. Just so very tired. Besides, I didn't just start wanting to move out of the country when I became a leftist. Ever since I was a little kid I've wanted to travel and live in other places.

Safe journeys! :flowerforyou:

suziecue66 · July 2012

I have psoriatic arthritis with spondylitis & sacroiliitis so can relate. I'm sorry to say, rule # 1 from the rhuematolgist is absolutely no impact on an inflamed joint. Impact on a joint while it's inflamed leads to damage and running would be high impact. I was told I was not even allowed to walk for exercise during a flare in my back and swimming was the only exercise I was allowed to do.

Keep in mind that the inflammatory arthritis's are not the same as osteoarthritis (the wear and tear type). They are autoimmune diseases that can have systemic effects on various organs if you don't keep things in check. So it's not just "pain" that you need to worry about. Inflammation levels can trigger fevers and each disease has different organs that can be effected.

I don't mean to scare you, but your doctor sounds like he isn't familiar with this and your rheumy appointment is a long ways away. "Uncomfortable" is a pretty normal state for us and that's fine to work through, but if it turns to pain you should rest the joint (in this case your back). Use an ibuprofen product (Aleve, Advil, etc.). Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and will help more than Tylenol. Please be careful with your running and I hope the pain stays at bay!

Or some really good natural anti-inflammatories instead.

ladykaisa · July 2012

Pretty much what everyone else is saying... listen to your body.

I have bad knees, and if I don't watch my form they swell up to the side of baseballs. I used to pop Advil like candy, and now I'm on Naproxen. Due to the side effects, however, I only take them when I can feel myself seizing and swelling.

If I hurts, if you think it's going to do more damage, don't do it. Fast walk. I do a jog for a couple of songs on my iPod, then walk for one, then run for one, walk for one, etc. It allows me to walk for the rest of the day, I don't feel like there's little gnomes with ice picks chipping away at my cartlidge, and the pace allows me to watch my form.

Running..and chronic pain sufferers?

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