What to do about constant minor pains?

[DiscoDan]

Ever heard of Chinese Water Torture, where some guy is chained to a wall so that he can't move, and then water is dripped onto his head one drop at a time? This doesn't seem so bad at first, but when dragged out for years on end, this helpless chump will end up completely bananas. Let's just say I can completely relate!

Essentially, I have minor pains that don't warrant a visit to a doctor (at least according to the doctors I've seen!), except they're with me all the time. Furthermore, when my friends and family notice that I look like I've just been hit by a bus and they ask me what's wrong, and I reply with "I have minor tooth pain right now," they look at me like I'm the wimpiest wimp who's ever wimped it up.

I know that most elderly folk endure through arthritis, and many others deal with constant pain (anyone with fibromyalgia?) that's probably much worse than mine as well. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to deal? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[SmellyOrc]

I used to walk around with painful ankles/hips and everything else below the belt (no, not THAT part...). Ya gotta get used to it. That's all I really gotta say. Get used to it, and don't be such a wuss

[John Hill]

Although you may not be aware of it consciously, you have manifested these aches and pains in your body. Somewhere within your subconscious lies the answer to this problem you have. I have written extensively on the power of the mind and the subconscious on my site. The link is below.

John

[morias]

I think it depends on the kind of pain it is. Are they based on previous injuries? On ergonomic or biomechanical issues? Most of my back pain was caused by a car accident. Physical Therapy and primarily yoga helped with my recovery and reduced the pain tremendously. I also developed a bit of RSI in my wrists. Some ergonomic and technique changes have helped there. There are also a lot of different Somatic practices such as the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method. These and others have personally helped me use my body in more efficient and less painful manners. Another way is to take up martial arts and learn to take more control over your body, especially in the pain control area. However, that could also be a bad thing when you've broken several bones and continue training without realizing the extent of your injuries.

[asrai]

I've had random joint pain for 9 years. It gets better and then gets worse. For no rhyme or reason. It started when I was 16. I saw all sorts of specialists and they told me it was just growing pains.

I've just learned to leave with it. Doing daily yoga helps. As well, recently it seems that free writing helps me a great deal. So I think the body-emotion connection is at work here.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by SmellyOrc

I used to walk around with painful ankles/hips and everything else below the belt (no, not THAT part...). Ya gotta get used to it. That's all I really gotta say. Get used to it, and don't be such a wuss

It really is amazing how different peoples' levels of sensitivity are. One person's trauma is another's triviality.

To the more sensitive of the two "suck it up!" really isn't spectacularly helpful advice. If they've lived a sheltered life and this is the worst pain they've ever experienced then it's still the worst pain they've ever experienced!

Maybe see a naturopath or something? Doctors can tend to be more focussed on treatment of symptoms than of causes. Or find a doctor that isn't?

[DiscoDan]

Originally Posted by morias

I think it depends on the kind of pain it is. Are they based on previous injuries? On ergonomic or biomechanical issues? Most of my back pain was caused by a car accident. Physical Therapy and primarily yoga helped with my recovery and reduced the pain tremendously. I also developed a bit of RSI in my wrists. Some ergonomic and technique changes have helped there. There are also a lot of different Somatic practices such as the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method. These and others have personally helped me use my body in more efficient and less painful manners. Another way is to take up martial arts and learn to take more control over your body, especially in the pain control area. However, that could also be a bad thing when you've broken several bones and continue training without realizing the extent of your injuries.

Well, they're very "facially-centered." Kinda like a constant sore throat, chronic cough, completely clogged nose, tooth pain, headaches, difficulty breathing, etc. I try to keep physically active, but because of my chronic cough, I tend to stay away from cardio (although I know I shouldn't). I had never heard of the Alexander Technique or the Feldenkrais Method, but I'll be sure to look them up now that I have.

Anyway, just want to thank you all again for your suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

[da1prophet]

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

Ever heard of Chinese Water Torture, where some guy is chained to a wall so that he can't move, and then water is dripped onto his head one drop at a time? This doesn't seem so bad at first, but when dragged out for years on end, this helpless chump will end up completely bananas. Let's just say I can completely relate!

Essentially, I have minor pains that don't warrant a visit to a doctor (at least according to the doctors I've seen!), except they're with me all the time. Furthermore, when my friends and family notice that I look like I've just been hit by a bus and they ask me what's wrong, and I reply with "I have minor tooth pain right now," they look at me like I'm the wimpiest wimp who's ever wimped it up.

I know that most elderly folk endure through arthritis, and many others deal with constant pain (anyone with fibromyalgia?) that's probably much worse than mine as well. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to deal? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I used to have a lot of random aches and pains until I started working out daily. Its amazing what a good regimen of physical fitness (combined with a healthy diet) can do.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

Furthermore, when my friends and family notice that I look like I've just been hit by a bus and they ask me what's wrong, and I reply with "I have minor tooth pain right now," they look at me like I'm the wimpiest wimp who's ever wimped it up.

Ah, tooth pain. Thought you might be interested.

[northstar]

Have you tried EFT(Emotional Freedom Technique)? EFT

You'd be surprised at the results.

[ahimel]

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

Well, they're very "facially-centered." Kinda like a constant sore throat, chronic cough, completely clogged nose, tooth pain, headaches, difficulty breathing, etc. I try to keep physically active, but because of my chronic cough, I tend to stay away from cardio (although I know I shouldn't). I had never heard of the Alexander Technique or the Feldenkrais Method, but I'll be sure to look them up now that I have.

Anyway, just want to thank you all again for your suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

Have you visited an Ear-Nose-Throat doctor? That sounds like a sinus/drainage issue.

The other thing you could try is visiting some non-traditional doctors, like chiropractors, accupuncturists/accupressurists, or rolfers. If you were in the Denver area I could recommend a couple who are really good, but unfortunately the whole industry is really hit-or-miss. The good ones are really good at tracking down the problems that most doctors miss, though.

Good luck!

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

Well, they're very "facially-centered." Kinda like a constant sore throat, chronic cough, completely clogged nose, tooth pain, headaches, difficulty breathing, etc. I try to keep physically active, but because of my chronic cough, I tend to stay away from cardio (although I know I shouldn't). I had never heard of the Alexander Technique or the Feldenkrais Method, but I'll be sure to look them up now that I have.

Anyway, just want to thank you all again for your suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

What is the pain trying to tell you? Ever meditate or journal what's behind your pain? I think you should look into issues around self-expression. Especially holding back expression (sore throat and chronic cough).

Your face is what you show the world. And you look like you've been hit by a bus? Are you stressed out?

[Ibanez]

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet is also a good step. Replace some of the grains with vegetables.