Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...

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How to keep a positive attitude when your in pain?

towmotor610
towmotor610
I figured i would try to get some insight on how you stay positive when your in pain. I'm just wondering the things that people do or think about when their pain takes over?
SocalStarfish
SocalStarfish
I'm not going to lie.. it can be hard. I try to stay determined and focused on my stretching and walking. I go to places that make me feel good, (sometimes crouched over in pain), but I make it to a bench and be part of life. Be determined that this is a flare-up and not how your life will be. Give yourself the pep talk you would give your friend if they were going through this. Also, have a good support system if possible and learn to respect your physical boundaries. And lastly, sometimes it is just a bad day. Accept it and know that tomorrow will be better.
cdfrance26
cdfrance26
Honestly I pray and try to remember that not all days are this bad. I try to find something that makes me happy even if it's watching a stupid horror movie, love them, I've seen a million times and rewatching it. Even sitting outside and finding shapes in the clouds can lift my spirits when there down. You need to find what makes you happy even something small and then let it grow.
towmotor610
towmotor610
It is hard to remember that not all days are as bad as the worst ones i have to agree. Today for example my pain level dropped for about an hour for the first time in two months and it was the best feeling i think i've ever had. For about two hours, then for some reason its right back to normal but i have to admit the best thing about being in severe pain is when it goes away even for a split second. Thank you for your posts. its nice to be know im not the only one that's going through the same thing. I will try my best to implement both of your ideas. Slowly but surely i'll learn how to cope.
hippyone
hippyone
Level 6 takes me to my DVR shows that grab my attention. I can get lost in them. I also might pull up my photos on my iPhone if my neck pain permits the movement. The photos remind me of all I have done during the past two years. It gives me hope for the future years. Cruise photos, grandchildren, holiday meals, garden flowers, our annual beach trip to the gulf coast.

Above level 6 I go to the shower. We have the spa shower head that gives the rainfall or a massage spray. I turn it on and stay under for as long as it takes. I douse pure eucalyptus oil on cotton cloths to catch the hot water and create steam. This is helpful when the barometric pressure is bouncing around. That is great enemy to my neck.

Chocolate and friends on DS