Q:
How long does it generally take for chronic pain patients to accept their situation?
A:
I would say it takes well over a year to come to acceptance. There are stages of grief. In essence you have go through the last stage of grief and get to acceptance, and that takes a long time. But you can't work through those stages until you understand that you're dealing with something that won't go away. So many patients are convinced that if they only find the right doctor they can be cured. If they're stuck in that, they can't get better. Once you accept that you have to work with what you have—that this vulnerable back is always going to be part of your life—then it will empower you to ask, "Therefore, what can I do to make things better in these circumstances, in terms of compliance with medication, exercise, etc."
Q:
Maximizing function involves a program of exercise and activity, but doesn't that hurt more?
A:
If you don't use the muscles, they become deconditioned. For example, you may have nothing wrong with your back, the problem may [originate] in your leg, but if you're not moving, all of your back muscles will get weak, and then it's likely your back itself will hurt. It's very important to keep moving.
Q:
If it hurts to exercise, how do you make it part of your day?
A:
You have to take the choice out of your exercise. You can't say you don't have time. I ask patients, "How often do you shower? You make your time for those things because you've taken them out of the realm of choice." You have to make exercise a routine part of your schedule.
Chronic Pain:Coping With Chronic Pain
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