Exercising with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months. There are many different types that fall under this umbrella. Fibromyalgia (muscle pain), pain from nerve damage, general pain in neck and back, joint pain/arthritis. Consistent pain can be wearing on your body, and your mind.

I experience knee pain in my left knee, due to an overtraining injury. Some days I can hike a mountain just fine. Sometimes I’m slow getting up the stairs and I need a knee brace to just walk without pain. Because of ever-present pain, exercising can oftentimes feel like the worst thing to do.

Living with chronic pain is not easy and there are so many varying degrees there is no one size fits all solution. I’ve found that it’s important to learn as much as you can about your condition and pain.

What are the treatments?

What are your triggers?

What are your limits?

What helps your pain?

I harbored a lot of anger and frustration for my injury. I was so focused on what I used to be able to do and what I felt like I should be doing. That line of thinking does not lead me anywhere positive. So, instead I try to focus on what I can do. How I can take care of myself.

Too often exercise is referred to as a tool to lose weight and gain muscle. We can get so bogged down in those specifics that we forget or don’t realize all the other things it can do for us. Our bodies are made for movement, as well as our minds.

I know we have all heard that movement helps alleviate some feelings of anxiety and depression. Oftentimes it feels like my pain runs my life. Finding an exercise and activity that is kind to my body and mind helps me take some of that power back. For me, yoga and hiking have become my top choices. They both bring me back to the moment and my body and help me feel confident in my body’s ability, which is exactly what I need.

Other possible activities:

• Strength training

• Walking

• Swimming

• Biking

• Martial arts

• Roller skating

Don’t let your pain limit you more than it already does. Take some power back.