Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.
i am having really bad thoughts. i am on trazadone to help me sleep though i thought it was an antidepressant. i have a dr appt on the 30th, is this something i should talk to her about or like in the past this feeling has gone away now its not. kelly
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Usually I get a daily influx of emails on health topics. An article from Dr. Mercola really stood out recently though because it mentioned that fat cells have their own mitochondria. Not only was this the first I'd heard of this, he also mentioned that fat serves a purpose in our metabolism. Another new factoid for me. The bottom line for me was to appreciate that even our fat cells play a...
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I just do not feel well and I really think that it's because I cried yesterday on my way to work about my Aunt who is in the hospital. I don't think that we will have her much longer. She is very frail. Now she needs help eating. So, this is the third time in a year that I felt this way after crying. I think crying releases toxins into my body. I also worked up a sweat at the gym...
Good luck!
Exercise takes the edge off chronic pain
Exercise can be a great way to ease chronic pain. Consider the risks of inactivity and the benefits of movement.
When you're in pain, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. But it may be more important than you think. Regular exercise is a versatile weapon in the fight against chronic pain.
The risks of inactivity
When you're inactive, your muscles including your heart lose strength and work less efficiently. Your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increases. Inactivity can increase fatigue, stress and anxiety as well.
"Years ago, people who were in pain were told to rest," says Edward Laskowski, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and co-director of the Sports Medicine Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "But now we know the exact opposite is true. When you rest, you become deconditioned which may actually contribute to chronic pain."
The benefits of movement
As tough as it may be to start an exercise program, your body will thank you. Are you skeptical? Consider the facts. Exercise can:
PROMPT YOUR BODY TO RELEASE ENDORPHINS. These chemicals block pain signals from reaching your brain. Endorphins also help alleviate anxiety and depression conditions that can make chronic pain more difficult to control.
"Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers," Dr. Laskowski says. "Endorphins have the potential to provide the pain-relieving power of strong pain medications, such as morphine."
Help you build strength. The stronger your muscles, the more force and load you'll take off your bones and cartilage and the more relief you'll feel.
Increase your flexibility. Joints that can move through their full range of motion are less likely to be plagued with aches and pains.
Improve your sleep quality. Regular exercise can lower your stress hormones, resulting in better sleep.
Boost your energy level. Think a walk around the block will wipe you out for the rest of the day? Not likely, and if you do it again tomorrow and the day after, it'll be easier each time. In the long run, regular exercise can actually give you more energy to cope with chronic pain.
Help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise burns calories, which can help you drop excess pounds. This will reduce stress on your joints another way to improve chronic pain.
******ENHANCE YOUR MOOD.******
Exercise contributes to an overall sense of well-being. It increases blood and oxygen flow to all your tissues, livening up your skin tones and nourishing your brain. These positive effects perpetuate themselves. The better you look and feel, the greater your confidence and motivation to keep exercising.
Protect your heart and blood vessels. Exercise decreases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
Getting started
Consult your doctor for help designing an exercise program that meets your specific needs. Your doctor will likely recommend various stretching, strengthening and aerobic activities. Exercises that help you relax such as meditation and yoga may be helpful, too.
It's natural to be worried about hurting yourself or making your pain worse. But with your doctor's reassurance and guidance, you can safely exercise with the knowledge that your pain isn't serving a useful protective purpose. Remember, regular exercise actually eases chronic pain for many people.
but i take cymbalta and it helps. when i take it....count me in to lots of people that think they don't need it once they feel better...not the case at all.
i need it. oh, and it helps with pain too.
keep your chin up. ask for help. beg if you have to...xokatie
If Trazadone is causing you to have those types of thoughts, do talk to your Dr. at your next appt. or call and let her know what is going on.
She might NEED to change your dosage. Trazadone is used for both sleep and depression but sometimes the dosing is different for each.
Good luck and call your doc.
charchar
I can't take Cymbalta. It was wonderful for the nerve pain I had but I was very very depressed while on it and was doing weird things so unlike me.
Good luck with it.
Dang typos...