What do you do when the pain acts up

[doldaydream]

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I have been dealing with back pain and sciatica for about 3 months and only found out about TMS a month ago. Since the start of unbearable pain, i have taken x-ray (where nothing abnormal show up), tried acupuncture, realignment by a chiropractor and physical therapy and nothing really worked. Then i chanced upon Dr Sarno's book, Healing Back Pain and i thought that i fit into the TMS situation really well. Right before the onset of this back pain (which is mostly just sciatica now, but the pain is so intense and pervasive), i had a short bout of eczema (something i never had) and went to see a specialist who gave me alot of antihistamine and then the eczema went away very quickly. While i have some back aches before this, the pain intensified after the eczema went away, and when i was younger, i also experienced irritable bowel syndrome and acne. I would describe myself as a worrier, with a high level of fear and anxiety and is always seeking to please people around me.

Since i have identified with TMS, my pain got more manageable, i am able to go to work everyday now and i resumed exercise. However, i still experience pain on a daily basis. Most days, i force myself to run on the threadmill through my pain, for about 10-15 minutes. Usually the pain subside significantly a while after i lie down after running. but it will return about 3-4 hours later after sitting. Swimming is alot more manageable but does not seem to really keep the pain away for long too. My hamstring and hip muscles seem really tight too and i cannot even sit upright with my legs extended even though i used to be really flexible in the past. For the past 2 days, when i experienced pain when i had to stand/walk, i tried to continue standing (placing my weight on a table/or the wall) and take deep breathe while trying to will the pain away, and it usually work after 20-30 minutes, but through this time, i experience rather intense pain and almost make me tear. The worse is the pain affects my sleep, i wake up in the middle of the night and sometimes have alot of problem falling back asleep. I think this straining my emotional and psychological well-being.

I read stories of how people continue to run and tell themselves its TMS and the pain subside immediately and for good. This doesnt seem to happen for me. I'm wondering what do people do when they go through intense pain period on a daily basis. Would love to hear any tip/tricks you have. Thank you!

 

[Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)]

I have some suggestions on how to get back to sleep if you wake up during the night. What works best for me:

Deep breathing: Inhale through the nose to the count of 4; hold the breath with the mouth open to the count of 7; exhale through the mouth to the count of 8 and make a "woosh" sound. Repeat 4 times and visualize yourself in a sunny, happy, relaxing place like a beach when on vacation. If this doesn't get you back to sleep, count backwards slowly from 100 to 1 while breathing gently and just focusing your mind on the breathing and counting. You may have to do this twice, but by the third time you will likely be asleep.

Keep your bedroom as dark as possible. If you have a clock or clock radio in the room, turn it to the wall so you do not see the blue light (this emits something that keeps us awake).

I also suggest drinking a cup of hot milk before going to bed. And do not watch television at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, listen to relaxing music. There are some good relaxation and bedtime music videos on YouTube. You also can tell yourself it's no big deal that you can't fall back to sleep right away. If you stress about it, it will keep you awake. Also remind yourself that you are not alone in being awake... your neighbors, family, friends also may be awake.