No Excruciating Pain, No Gain

 

 Significant research has shown that exercise is an essential aspect in the treatment of chronic pain. Studies have shown that it can be an effective way to reverse this downward cycle of de-conditioning and worsening pain, and gradually over time help those with chronic pain engage more in activities of enjoyment and essential activities of daily living with greater ease.

 I have had major pain in my rotator cuff for some time. The pain is definitely enough to make a lot of people not even try to exercise. Instead of trying to avoid the pain I rather try to meet it head on. I do the same with my back. Though I haven’t had any relief in either area I will say that I feel good that I don’t let the pain rule my life. I never let the pain be an excuse not to work out unless it is extreme. 

 Everyone deals with pain in different ways but the bottom line is, it is by choice. There were times in my life where I chose to allow pain to rule my life. I’d sit there and moan and groan feeling sorry for myself. Now, my desire to adopt a healthier lifestyle is bigger than the pain. Though I haven’t had much relief I have without question got much stronger regardless, not just physically but mentally. 

 I am not going to sit here and say that it’s easy because the truth is that it’s not. What I will say though is that it’s not impossible. Fighting to go beyond the pain has more benefits than you could imagine. By not allowing my chronic pains stop me from working out, I find it easier to do the day to day things that need to be done. It gives me that get it done attitude and I am loving that. 

 Note that I am under a physicians care. We have great dialogue and I am truly grateful that he isn’t one of those doctors that are quick with the prescription pad. Far to many people think that pills are the answer to everything. Pills aren’t cures. More often times than not, pills only help us to avoid what in truth needs to be done so to be cured. I am an ex-addict so trust me I know what it is to avoid pain at all costs, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Having tested the waters on both ends, I much rather choose the deep, rough, murky waters of fighting above and beyond the pain.