I distract myself from the pain that I feel by engaging my mind, concenctration, and hands in something that I enjoy. I love to cross stitch and complete gifts for others. Cross Stitching or any needle work for that fact takes much concentration in order to keep from making mistakes. This helps to take my mind off of the pain that I live with due to Fibromyalgia.
I find this article to be a bunch of bull. I have been injured for over 15 years almost to the day, and I got my injury being a apid firefighter, and that means having adrenalin rushes on a daily if not hourly basis. Yes, it does make the pain stop or you foget about it for about 1-2 minutes, then it comes back even more, and you end up being out of service much longer then I should have been out because the rush made my body not feel the pain for that short period of time and I did some moving around that if I had felt the pain, I never could have done. Anyone that has a chronic pain problem could have put together this artical, this is nother that all of us that suffer did not kno before. Nothing ne here!!!!!
what can I say... I live with cronic pain constantly from neuropathy in my feet. The pain is terrible. I can't walk or stand or sit, or lay down.. without feeling the constant pain in my feet. So no matter what I do, to get my mind OFF the pain... its still there NO matter what!!! There is NO way, I can get my mind completely off the pain. I try to go to places that I LOVE.. with my children. I have 4 kids... that I love with all my heart. I force myself to go places with them, to have fun.. watch them smiling and laughing.. that is my biggest joy in life!! And all the while I am doing this in such pain! Now wouldn't that be something to get my mind off the pain! Enjoying those 4 beautiful souls I brought into this world.. having the best time.. laughing with them.. seeing them having so much fun??? Sure you would think so.. but.. no... the pain is there.. all the time. yes, to look at me.. you would never know I was in such pain. You would think I was just a "normal mom" with her children. But inside, I am screaming in pain. Every step I take.. each moment I am standing there... I am in such terrible pain. But not wanting to take these happy times away from my children.. I stand there in silence about the pain I am in. So they won't know I am suffering. So.. to me... NO distraction in the world can take my pain away!!! Sorry.. I can't agree with this at all!! 
I did not mean to anger or offend you and yes I do understand what you are saying as of course there are days that I too can't seem to distract myself from the pain no matter what I do. It's also true that those who do not live with chronic pain often want to offer simple solutions that just don't work. I was only offering what works for me for at least short periods of times on some occasions, but certainly not all. I hope one day there will be an honest and workable solution found for those of us who suffer on a daily basis and I sympathize whole heartedly for your pain.
Mrs Terrie Kenoyer
I'm not sure where you said anything to anger or offend anyone. You've found ways to distract yourself for short periods of time? I think that's wonderful. I've been living with chronic pain 24/7 for 8 years now and I have also found ways to distract myself for short periods. For me, it's a combination bio-feedback/meditation computer set up. It may be only for short periods of time, but any break is welcome. Although I cannot stitch as long as I used to, I also find that working on a cross-stitch pattern helps take my mind off of the pain for short periods.
I AGREE WITH EVERYONE WHO SAYS NOTHING CAN DISTRACT YOU FROM THAT PAIN I HAVE BEEN IN PAIN FOR 8 YRS NOW AND I DONT CARE WHAT I DO THERE ISNT ANYTHING GONNA DISTRACT ME FROM THIS PAIN SO PEOPLE WHO SAY I CROSS STITCH OR WHATEVER YOU DO YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT PAIN IS THEN. I CROCHET WELL I TRY TOO. AND IAM STILL IN PAIN . THE ONLY WAY I EVER GOT DISTRACTED FROM MY FIBRO PAIN IS WHEN I BROKE MY FOOT AND MESSED UP MY BACK AND TORE SOMETHING IN MY KNEE YEAH IT WENT TO ANOTHER PAIN SO WHEN SOMEONE FINDS SOME MIRACLE TO DISTRACT THEM FROM PAIN LET ME KNOW CAUSE WHO EVER SAYS IT WORKS IS FULL OF IT THEN THEY REALLY ARENT IN PAIN..
Those of us who say that we have found ways to distract ourselves from the pain for short periods of time did not say we do not feel the pain. We said it distracts us from the pain which means the severity of it. Even though we still feel the pain we do not sit and concentrate on nothing, but our pain. We at least make the attempt to give ourselves as much quality to life as we possibly can. There are days and many of them that I can not even get out of bed. So no one has the right to say that I do not know what pain is. The one thing I've learned most since being diagnosed with my disease is never to pass judgement on anyone who says they are in pain and it seems you would do well to learn this same lesson and let go of some of your anger and bitterness. We've all been mistreated and dismissed by the medical field and doctors and had our pain treated lightly and each must learn to help themselves the best they can.
No I won't be childish enough either to fight back and forth about whose pain is worse. Neither will I pass judgement on anyone elses pain and what they try and do to give some quality to their lives. I get off my behind when I can instead of sitting around having a pity part, becoming bitter and angry which so many do and thinking poor me. If you do not believe that my pain is as bad as your then so be it. I wish and pray for relief for your pain as I would not wish chronic pain on anyone. God Bless.
Terrie,
You are a beautiful, brave person. Thank you for standing up against the negative thought viruses that infect some people with pain. Truely, you are a survivor! We pain survivors need to rise up and let the tide of resiliency wash away the contamination. Peace be with you.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
How come Terrie is beautiful when she gets angry, and everyone else has anger in their heart when they don't agree with you? What would you know about what we do to relieve our pain other than pain meds. and distraction? Again, it all comes down to who agrees with you as to whether we are beautiful or angry,miserable, and oh my goodness dissagreeable creatins! Please read the title to this article again and tell me just what you thought people expected, judging it's fantastic claim!
People in situations such as mentioned in this article are in shock, NOT DISTRACTED! When one is in shock the body shuts down it's nerve receptors in order to do what it must to survive.
As a person in chronic pain 24/7 from Lupus, RA, and Fribro...I think this article was a complete joke. You really think that taking up a hobby will help with severe, chronic pain??? You obviously have never lived this kind of hell and should be ashamed that you even let this thoughtless mis-information be put online.
First of all, I would strongly emphasize that the body shuts down pain reception in emergency situations. I have been in various motorcycle, snowskiing and other accidents where I felt no pain whatsoever for a half hour up to two hours later. Even with broken bones, sprains, road rash, two finger tips cut off and so on. Adrenalin and shock commonly prevent pain from serious injuries.
I have suffered both acute pain and chronic pain caused by numerous injuries acquired from extreme sports and accidents. I don't think anyone has the ability to eradicate pain through distractions. However, I think atitude and distraction do help. I have been injured enough times that I now know what pain killer addiction means and am willing to try any means to reduce pain short of narcotic medicine use. So I commend anyone who suggests ideas to try for those of us who have used up the pain killer option.
I have to agree with response #1, that whoever did this study doesn't fully get the meaning of "Chronic Pain". I have been living wih chronic pain for the last 13 years now, and although "distraction" does take some of the edge off the pain, it never completely will go away, even with an intrthecal morphine pump placed in my spine. The author who wrote this article would have to experience a "chronic pain situation" for at least a year to evaluate if what the author wrote, really held up to his "theory". I myself do a lot of things to "try" and distract me from my pain, but it is still there, nagging me on.
For anyone to have wrote an article like this, without being a chronic pain patient themselves, is fooling the medical community and chronic pain patients like me and a lot of others. Maybe the author of this article would reconsider his "theory", would he have been a chronic pain patient himself , and lived with the misery that plagues us, then I would be interested in hearing from the author how he "distracted himself" from his chronic pain condition!
While I agree that nothing can take away the pain ( I too have the morphine pump) TRYING to do other things for short periods of times does distract me from my situation sometimes even though I may pay for it for two days after. I refuse to give my life over to all this pain.It's hard to judge others , especially when we don't know what they have or don't have. I guess we all try to deal with our pain in different ways so....whatever works, I say , go for it!
I have often distracted one severe pain by replacing by another. For instance, when my back pain became so severe I couldn't see straight, I would bite thru my cheek or dig my thigh with my thumb....works for a while BUT...I also ended up with a huge ridge in my mouth and a bump and bruise the size of Montana. I required something to take enough edge off of the mind numbing pain to at least function for a bit. I ended up having a HUGE operation that saved my life. The pain would have otherwise killed me in the end. ANYTHING that works, even somewhat, for that kind of pain is worth whatever the cost!
L. W.
When my pain is peaking and breaking through above and beyond the normal pain that I have all the time I am almost incapable of watching TV or following the plot in a book because the pain is so distracting in and of itself. Sometimes even a conversation is not worth the effort to try to follow along.
With lessor pain I suppose that could be true, there are things I enjoy that can get my mind off of pain when it is pretty well controlled. But the big things they mentioned I woud have to say are related to the adrenaline rush and shock rather than something that might be applicable to daily battles with pain. But if it works for some or even works some of the time it is another tool to add to the arsenal.
Some community members have revealed some beautiful examples of how distraction eases pain in their lives; like love making and needle point. Let me add a little bit about my experience. Living with a persistant pain for 10 years has taught me a few things. During the darkest hours of the night, when I wake up with a "jack hammer" in my leg, a cuddle up to my husband without waking him. That touch, that connection, helps to distract me away from the pain and reminds me of how lucky I am to love and to be loved. During the darkest days of my pain, I am able to distract myself by doing something that I most enjoy like driving or target shooting. Concentrating on the road or a target takes my focus away from that ever-present, painful grain of sand that lives deep within me. Please be kind to each other. And keep sharing and engaging because these sparks can trigger solutions.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
My experience tells me that distraction doesn't relieve the pain, but it often helps me deal with the pain...if I'm lucky enough to have a day registering a 7 on the 1-10 pain scale. 8? Gets pretty tough there. 9 and 10, forget it. The thing is, I only achieve those 7 days by taking my Lyrica, Flexeril, and two antidepressants, along with tylenol, ultracet, and the ocassional narcotic. Hot showers, cold packs, heating pads, TENS unit, CPAP, etc. Plus getting enough protein, while avoiding sugar, caffeine, alcohol, grain, and anything processed. It's a daily (and nightly) battle that requires an arsenal. What do I do for distraction? Lots of things, but my fave is beading boxes...one tiny bead at a time.
...check out www.carriekilgore.etsy.com to see my bead boxes!
I have extremely bad lower back pain from a previous injury. The is no way that distraction would relieve the pain I feel. I take Hydrocodone, 10/325, twice a day and I really have to say even inbetween the pills there is time that the pain reoccurs. I have taken Oxycontin, however, I didn't care for the time release. To me there isn't no such thing as time-release. But I don't think that distraction takes away "real" pain.
I have lived with chronic pain for almost 16 years. I have M.S.,Fibro, Three areas of my spine are messed up,plus a couple of what I consider minor issues. This is a good day for me as I'm out of bed and on the computer today. There is no possible way to get the pain undercontrol that my team of doctors have been able to come up with and they've tried very hard.Some days we get the edge off a little but it's 24/7 a part of me.
I thought the first time I read this that I'd misunderstood what was said. When the pain is real bad my cognitive skills can be substandard. I read it through twice more and I had read it correctly. Why in h-e double hockey sticks was this ever printed? In a lot of ways I found this insulting to all of us who live in constant chronic pain. I'll be unsubscribing when I'm done with this message. Not one of us that lives this half life deserve to be put down like the original message did.
Weezie
After 21 yrs. of having Fibromyalgia, and going through every test and hair brained "treatments" out there, distraction is a ridiculous answer if it's intended for anything longer than 30 seconds. I too, have a morphine pain pump for the past 6 months, and it doesn't even relieve the pain. We each have to discover what works for our individual needs. Doing something enjoyable, like we go on cruises and tailgate at football games with family, does help with coping. At least with something like that, you can excuse yourself, and get some rest, and others can carry on with the activity. Feeling the wind and hearing the water splashing off of the ship are comforting and relaxing, BUT...the pain is always with me. At least I can say, I'm doing "something" to enjoy life, as bad as it is on a daily basis.
I agree with you, getting out and enjoying your life and your loved ones, does bring some comfort and distraction. However, no amount of distaction can relieve pain on any lasting basis. When you are constantly in pain, 24/7, it is always with you; while you are playing with your kids, petting your dogs, reading, painting, traveling, walking, you name it, it is ALWAYS a part of your life.
One other note, if it were not for the narcotic pain releavers (those evil man made drugs) most people would not be able to get out and distract themselves with life's enjoyments. I know I could not get myself out of bed without them. They are a PART of my treatment. Distraction is yet another PART of my treatment, as is physical therapy, exercise, etc.
Yes it is ridiculous to think that distraction is the answer we've all been looking for....but in my opinion...use EVERY tool in the toolbox. 
I'm obviously sitting at my computer typing my response
to this article and it's not distracting me one bit from the
horrendous pain from Trigeminal Neuralgia, RSD, and Fibro
that I live with 24/7. For some strange reason I had a
reprieve from the intense pain for about a week, - first time
that's happened in 30 years. I was absoluely ecstatic,
thinking I could conquer the world if I had a life free of this
suffering. The pain came back with a vengence yesterday
and all I can think is "I can't do this anymore!" Like so
many others who have written I think the article HAD to be
written by someone who has not experienced life with
severe, chronic pain.
I disagree with this article. I have tried to use distractions for my pain. It does not help the pain, what it does is to help me to not focus on the pain. The pain level is the same. I have chronic pain in my lower back due to arthritis and spinal stenosis, capal tunnel sydrome in both wrists, nerve damage that affects my left side from which I can not move my left ankle or foot. If I am feeling pain from all of them, nothing helps much. There are days that the pain meds just takes the edge off the pain. I love sports and even on my bad days (which are increasing), the game I'm watching doesn't even help.
I wish something like this would help. I would be so happy as I could get rid of all the pain meds. As it is, I need to get another pain med that could help me better. Percocet works best, so far, but the dr. doesn't want to continue prescribing this for me (I was only on this med for 3 months). He does not seem to understand how much pain I am in even though I tell him. The only people that seem to understand is others that deal with chronic pain.
When we are eating something that does not taste good we try to distract outselves from the taste, but we still know it taste bad.
When sex is bad we distract ourselves mentally, but we still know its bad.
When we read about something that someone has written that is wrong, we distract ourselves by commenting on it, but we still know it's bad.
When we are in pain we try to distact ourselves from how bad the pain really is, but the pain is still there and the level of pain is still there is does not go away.
When someone makes a point of view about the best medicine for pain is distraction, we know that he was distracted by the dollars he would make by selling this point, but he still knows his point of view is wrong.
When I first read this article, I too had that gut tensing, cynical laugh in my head thinking, "bull-crap!" Then realizing that this is true to an extent, depending on the severity of your pain. I've been in pain, 24/7, for many years now myself & I agree that "distraction" is a very good source for helping to handle pain, as it is for anything negative in your life, as an accompaniment.
I think we,( as pain sufforers), have to deal with so many stigmas, this just came off at first maybe a little flip-pit. That our pain isn't as bad as most people think it is..."mind over matter". I'm not trying to speak for everyone, just myself and a few other's I know whom are in the same boat dealing with chronic pain, -it has been such a long road finding treatment and the right DR['s]. Having started out with, imagery,biofeedback,meditation,journaling, it almost feels like you have prove to the medical community that you're having legitimate pain! It took me 4+ DR'S, to finally find one that really understood me, my injuries & surgeries causing the pain. He was even shocked that somehow previously they didn't "get" that I did not keep coming back to the DR for pain med's, I kept coming back because my pain was not going away, or worsening......"You're not a drug user coming in to score pain drugs, you're coming in to have them take your pain away!" ......."You're also not mentally ill and needing to see a Psyciatrist, you are however probably depressed by now having to put up with chronic pain and this type of treatment from my colleagues!"
We all know it's not that easy to make the pain go away! My daily doses of moriphine don't take all my pain away, but in combination with other med's it helps to make it bearable. If my medications aren't enough or I'm trying to stretch them out, a combination of meditation or "distraction" works wonders!! I totally agree it helps but not as a solo form of treatment for those whom have terrible chronic pain. I'm an artsist-"distraction" is what my whole world is about!!-Ha!
We/I, can be so easily put into defense mode because of having to "prove/convince" the medical feild, along with family and friends at times too, that the pain is real along with the need for stronger medications. This article, although written with the best intentions, might have put some of us into this "defense mode".
I too can hear my husband or 70 year old Mother asking,"Well did you even give that,("distraction"),a try before you popped your piil?" It feels like a bit of a set back, in our fight to have the Gov. & medical field understand and loosen the rules for those of us in pain.
Thanks for caring enough to write, it is appreciated! Take care.
peace,laughter & miracles,
Bambi
Well you sucked all of us pain sufferer's in with the headline and once again you like most 'expert's' dropped the dam ball.
You are confusing a adrenaline rush with a distraction....come on, can you do any better then this?
If any of you are in doubt of my feelings of dealing with pain read my page. I still have to take some things, but most pain meds I gave up on...I wanted to live...well at the very least try. And if I want to be stoned all the time would also know what to do..8)
Like most of you I deal with it, at least till the dam Doctor and 'experts' get the heads outta their...well you know! Come up with something that acually will work at not just make people richer.
Peace to all of you who are suffering...I too feel your pain, we will see a painfree day, someday...hope it is the one thing 'they' can NEVER take! They can push it, speak and even sell it, but they don't even know what it is so they can never take it from us!
Peace
C
For over thirty years, I have suffered with chronic debilitating pain. Pain that requires six different pain relievers for me to function on any level of sanity. However, even with these six chemicals surging through my body, I was still in pain.
What has worked for me, is integrating Emotion Free Technique or EFT into my pain reign. It has worked wonders in relieving the pain that medication alone could not reach. It has worked so well, that I have written about it for the last two weeks on my website.
EFT is the modern or western equivalent of acupuncture. However there are no needles involved. The same pressure points are used to relieve the pain. The bonus is that you are taught to do it on yourself for yourself. Once you learn it, relief is as simple as tapping those pressure points and concentrating on what you are doing. I guess you could say that is a kind of distraction. But it goes much deeper than distracting your attack of pain.
Certainly, I cannot say that it will work for everyone. But the question was what did we do to distract our pain. Along with my pain meds, this is what I do. It is working for me.
I find this article to be not just highly offensive, but also very sad. It's articles such as this that continue to work against those of us who are chronic pain sufferers - like we need more of THAT!
I have been a chronic pain sufferer for over 20 years now. I do agree that distraction MIGHT help, at least in the very short-term, but the way this article is worded, well...I'm sorry. That is complete bunk. Obviously this twit has never suffered from any sort of Chronic pain. Just what we all need - yet another non-sufferer adding yet another bunch of garbage to the heap!
Quite frankly, I am deeply offended that you would even consider running this article. This sort of thing we do NOT need.
Sincerely,
Wendy H.
Alberta Canada.
I am a consulting hypnotist and some of my clients come to me for chronic pain. Hypnosis trains you to dissociate yourself from pain to some extent, using breathing, visualisation and other techniques and while it doesn't work for everyone it does work very well for some people. One thing I help my clients become aware of is negative self talk. I notice that several posts here are angrily asserting that "I am in constant pain" "nothing can distract me from the pain" etc. etc. If you consider that everything you say to yourself is like an affirmation, then you are constantly reminding yourself "I am in constant pain." For many people, pain becomes part of their identity and how they define themselves: "I am a person who lives in constant pain." Often becoming aware of these negative messages we send to ourselves is the first step in making helpful changes. I have witnessed first hand how debilitating chronic pain is both physically and mentally. I have also witnessed how learning self-hypnosis can be transformative for some people. Hypnotists often use the phrase "there's no pain 'til it gets to the brain". We help people to become aware of how powerful the mind can be.
Great, we have a thought-provoking bell ringer here. Some voices have made good, constructive comments. Yes, emotions do serve to turn up or turn down the volume of the pain output. Yes, distraction comes in various levels of intensity from the life-threatening "lion" to the mundane "hamster". Yes, because of the various levels of distraction, the pain relief from the brain can vary from the life-saving adrenaline rush that completely blocks pain to a minor burst of happiness that just eases the pain a notch. Distraction is a tool in the toolbox. Personally, I like to have variety of tools to control my pain. Professionally, I tell my patients that you can't build a house with just a hammer. The purpose of a multi-discisplinary approach to pain is to fill the tool box with many types of treatment tools that address the full complexity of a pain experience.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
I believe that everyone here, who is angry, are more angry at our pain, and what it does to the quality of our lives. I am sure anyone suffering from severe pain 24/7 has tried distraction as well as a myriad of other possibilities which may ease our suffering. Not everyone reacts to one thing the same way. Saying that distraction is the ultimate pain reliever is an insult to each and every one of us. There is no one answer to severe pain. Even the drug cocktails we are put on only eases it sometimes. Believe me, if hypnotherapy would help me, and I could afford it: I would try it in a heartbeat. I have tried the distraction (just as I'm sure everyone here has) and I'm sorry, it just doesn't work. I enjoy spending time with my family; but I catch myself trying to hide the pain I am in, and thinking of when I can get home and let the frustration of my pain interrupting my visit with family, OUT. Chronic pain does run your life most of the time, and this is what angers us so much. Especially when someone comes up with their idea of pain relief when they have no idea how we live each day in unrelenting pain. A child could think of trying to distract themselves if they were in severe pain. All of us who live with it are pros at trying new ways to relieve their pain, and this idea isn't new, nor does it work for everyone. I'm not trying to say I'm not open to new ideas, or that I am going to let my pain run my life: but until someone comes up with a better idea for pain relief: don't expect us to not be angry about our pain. I was expecting much more when I read the title of this quick fix. We are all used to some pain relief, if just for a short while; but we are looking for BETTER and MORE LONG LASTING RELIEF, not a short period of distraction to relieve our pain! This is what angered everyone so much. This and the pain we are still in after reading this article.
Susan L Sitton
Distraction is one powerful tool for the pain relief toolbox, not a magic wand. The expectation of magic wands and magic bullets is a major pitfall that breeds anger and frustration. And with anger in the heart, progress is nearly impossible.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
I'm tired of hearing about your toolbox, and I didn't say I was looking for a magic wand either! I also don't have anger in my heart; but pity for some of these so called experts turning our pain back at us as a forum to accuse us as being ignorant enough to believe everything we read as a great pain reliever! I believe I said I was open to new ideas to try and relieve my pain.I also said we have all tried distraction, and it is NOT THE BEST PAIN RELIEVER OUT THERE! I said we are angry at our pain and what it does to our quality of life! It is so-called experts like you who resort to INSULTS because we don't agree with your EXPERT ADVICE! Obviously you don't have an open mind to what others feel. I guess you have no idea what CHRONIC SEVERE PAIN is like or you wouldn't insult everyone that disagrees with your all knowing WISDOM! Now if that makes me sound angry, then so be it! All I and several others are saying is, we found that distraction is NOT all that powerful, and we were insulted by the ad saying it is more powerful than any pain medications out there. If you truely suffered as we do you would realize this! I don't begruge anyone who can relieve their pain through distraction; but it doesn't work for everyone! Let's just say that particular TOOL isn't in my TOOLBOX! That doesn't make me angry: some so-called experts insulting me because I don't agree with him or her makes me angry, which is a valid human emotion we ALL have a RIGHT to!
This article is a bunch of bull! I have had both hips and both shoulders replaced and I also have diabetic nueropathy in my feet and legs and no amount of "distraction" will stop this pain I live with every hour of every day! I take some very strong narcotics and even then they aren't always giving me complete pain relief... So I say to the author of the article he must not have the pain some of us endure!
Mark , San Francisco
This is my first response to anything since joining this web site, but I thought it merited it. First, how does one become, a "world renowned expert" at anything? May I put in my application?
I feel that living with pain without a break for 30 years, overcoming daily struggles that are compounded by trying to live w/that pain each day for those 30 odd years, living the best possible life despite the pain and struggle, becoming a support leader for others living with chronic daily pain for years on end, writing a book and manning a web site for other writers as well as an interactive writing community, a web ring owner, and a message board support and friendship communnity...despite the misery, would qualify me, if nothing else!
I'm sorry, but Mr. Butler is wrong.
Distractions are nothing more than what they imply, a temporary sort of out of mind, out of body event that demands immediate attention, and nothing more. And they do, at any given moment, take one's mind off of acute pain for the few seconds/minutes involved to accomplish the feat at hand. It in no way serves as a long-term solution to pain.
Perhaps better titles to the articles used here are in order. Something like: One man's opinion regarding pain control, or whatever. To read it as it stands, implies to anyone of us who deal with debilitating pain each milli-second of every day, that it is indeed another "mind over matter" thing, which insults to the very core.
Although there are varying degrees of pain and suffering, everyone who comes here is here by the virtue of the fact that they are grappling with some form of it, and need help, encouragement and understanding...not insinuated insult by way of mis-placed articles. In reading through the threads that this article has generated, it is also clear that some of the professional people on this site are not clear about what is helpful and what is not, when dealing with chronic pain and illness. Evidenced clearly by the anger and consternation this article has generated.
We all do the best we possibly can to deal with the day to day of life with pain. For anyone to say that we are just sitting around twiddling our thumbs saying, "poor me..." is equally unhelpful and insulting.
I have accomplished many things in my life despite the pain. I am still striving to push through to the best of my abilities, every day, and not sit on my laurels with a "woe is me" attitude.
Please screen your articles better.
Please understand that people are different and what is good for one is not good for all. And please make this a worthy place for patients with chronic pain and suffering to come to, rather than be disappointed in. You have great potential here for good, and I hope to see it come to fruition in the future.
However, if I come and see other "like" articles, I will be, as others have indicated...apt to write the web site off as an untrustworthy place to further spend my time.
With respect,
linda carlson
Is the world round or flat?
Is pain normal or abnormal?
Is distraction a thing of "mind over matter" or a thing of mind working with body as one?
If distraction works for short periods of time, why can't it work over long periods of time?
If we will not allow ourselves to be challenged by different concepts, how can this pain epidemic be solved?
Is it possible to have pain and not know about it?
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
(my responses to the above questions are in capital letters (below) only to distinguish them from the question, not because I'm "yelling" in cyber language, just F.Y.I.)
Is the world round or flat?
ROUND
(AND WHAT HAS THAT TO DO WITH DISTRACTION?) ARE YOU IMPLYING IN THE ASKING THAT THE ARTICLE BY BUTLER IS AN ABSOLUTE PROVEN FACT CONCERNING PAIN CONTROL?
Is pain normal or abnormal?
NORMAL - IT IS OUR BODY’S WAY OF SIGNALING DISTRESS AND TROUBLE.
Is distraction a thing of "mind over matter" or a thing of mind working with body as one?
IT IS BOTH OF THESE TO A DEGREE. BUT PAIN SCREAMS AT US THROUGHOUT OUR DISTRACTIONS. IT’S HARD NOT TO FEEL IT’S INTRUSION INTO EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY, REGARDLESS OF “DISTRACTING” OURSELVES W/ACTIVITIES OF A VARIED NATURE.
If distraction works for short periods of time, why can't it work over long periods of time?
BECAUSE PAIN IS THE MECHANISM IN US THAT IS TRYING TO LET US KNOW THINGS ARE ASKEW. SOMETHING IS WRONG...AND IF WE WERE NOT TO EXPERIENCE IT AT ALL, WE’D BE DEAD. IT IS “BUILT IN” TO US. AND WHEN SOMETHING IN OUR BODIES GOES HAYWIRE, PAIN TELLS US.
NO AMOUNT OF DISTRACTIONS WILL EVER REPLACE THAT BUILT IN APARATUS.
If we will not allow ourselves to be challenged by different concepts, how can this pain epidemic be solved?
DIFFERENT CONCEPTS ARE FINE, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO BACK THEM UP, OTHERWISE, THEY ARE NO MORE THAN THEORY. WHAT HELPS SOME, MAY NOT HELP EVERYONE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, IF IT DID HELP EVERYONE...WE’D ALL BE WELL. IF DISTRACTION WORKED TO KEEP US PAIN FREE...WE WOULD CERTAINLY ALL BUSY OURSELVES WITH THE FINE ART OF DISTRACTION. AS IT IS, ACUTE PAIN HAS CAUSED US TO LOSE OUR ABILITY TO BE DISTRACTED TO ANY GREAT DEGREE. IT IS THE PAIN THAT IS AT THE EPI-CENTER OF OUR BEING THAT INTERFERES WITH DISTRACTION AND KEEPS US IMMOBILIZED.
Is it possible to have pain and not know about it?
NO
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
linda carlson
"Courage is not having the strength to go on...it's going on, when you no longer have the strength" ~Maya Angelou~
Actually, I need to ammend an answer concerning a person having pain and not feeling it. There is a condition called, Anhidrosis (CIPA) which is a rare (rare being the key word here), genetic disorder that makes it impossible for the very few people who have it, to ever feel pain.
Hansen's Disease also takes one's ability to feel pain away. So they have it (pain), but just can not feel it.
linda
I appreciate your thoughtfulness and, admittedly, I struggle with that last question also. It reminds me of the old question, "If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?" These questions challenge basic concepts. When it comes to concepts about pain, David Butler poses many conceptual shifts based on medical evidence.
About medical evidence, one quote comes to mind:
"No where in the formulations of evidence-based medicine does there seem to be an acknowledged place for individual differences between patients and their illnesses or variations in the expertise and skill of individual physicians." Eric J. Cassell (The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine)
I truely respect individual differences and acknowledge the limitations of evidence-based medicine. Thus, I think it is equally important not to discount opinions and theories until all the facts are known, until we know if the world in "round or flat" (so to speak). Because pain research is still on going (in fact, the definition of pain is still controversial), some major conceptual shifts may be neccessary. As these new concepts are introduced by pioneers like David Butler, it is important to embrace the hope and promise for new solutions that may come with these uncharted, unfamiliar territories. Those who immediately reject new concepts may miss the boat (so to speak).
Thank you for listening.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
Dr. Christina, I believe I understand your point. I feel that most all of us who are in or have been in extreme amounts of pain for years, are indeed open to new concepts.
In working with patients now for so long and speaking to hundreds of them through the years, you can't begin to imagine the desperation that drives one to grab onto every promising "new concept or theory" coming down the proverbial pike!
Many have tried unbelievable ways to rid themselves of pain once and for all. Ways that boggle our comprehension. Did these things do as they promised? For most, no. And some probably did engage the "mind over matter" principle and mark some slight improvements. But nothing fully addressed the problem of "pain" entirely.
We all yearn with all our being, for the next "new concept/theory" to "be the one" that does it!! We all can probably honestly say that we'd trade most anything in life to have an honest to goodness real life back, where pain does not hinder enjoying it to the fullest.
It is not that our minds are shut-off instantly to new things, or that we are not open to them, or reject them immediately...it is that we've run the gammit of these things and feel often enough that others who write articles like the aforementioned, do not take the physical pain aspect into full consideration when doing so. It seems to come off as glibly treating what is a very serious aspect of our lives. It is this type of thing that is most upsetting.
In this thread alone, the negative feelings expressed far outweigh any positive, in reaction to such perceived treatment of what is a very dire and debilitating issue for us all. This has to tell you and other professionals something. It does in fact indicate that so often, we are not being heard. People who were formerly very active participants in life have had life stripped away from them because of some painful thing that overtakes them. I would have much preferred to continue to work in life, to be as socially active as I once was, be the hostess with the mostess in the soiree's and open house circuts, to continue to be involved in our community theatre and solo in our cantata's and church and social functions, to dance!! To do so many things.
I admit that on good days (when no one's looking), I hula with the music turned up as loudly as I can get it!! And I still push past the pain when I can, to do the things that matter to me that I can still do.
But there are many hours in the days, weeks, months, that pain and illness rule.
Trying to push past it only exacerbates painful conditions. It's at those times I am unable to even think about a push let alone do it.
When Mr. Butler can harness the adreneline rush for us all into one neat tidy little capsule that really DOES make our battered and pain-weary bodies like new again, then maybe the article can be taken more seriously.
And as far as the tree falling in the forest making a noise or not??? Of course it does. Just because no one is there to hear the noise, does not render it silent imho.
And ... thank YOU, for listening. What we all really could use in life are doctors that actually listen to us and what we're trying to say to them. So, thank you.
Not to be rude or misunderstood after reading all this, we need to be sure not to discount what is real human expereince. ... Not to forget the we all know pain when we feel it. We do not need so much for any great minds to define what we all know is real.
I suffer chronic pain (over 30 decades) and now in the last decaded neuropathy in my feet and legs, bilateral spinal stensosis with spurs and compression of nerve roots due to the afore mentioned and degernative arthritis in multiple levels of my spine. I have carpal tunnel in both wrist probably aggavated by the extension use of keyboards and writing in my work and my digital 'distraction' hobby and pasttime as a disabled person.
I just had a disectomy with fusion at C5-C6. I am in pain that brings tears to my eyes as I walk the floors holding first my arms and then my neck. It is not my incision but the muscle and ligaments that support the neck and head that are screaming. The pain into my upper arms is like being stabbed with a frozen iron pick. I was told this is 'distraction pain' by my neurosurgeon. If it does not respond Robaxin abd Oxycontin in another day or two he will try another medication for me. I have tried ice and positioning my body.
No one can begin to defend to me any such silliness that would suggest that the acute pain under immediate trauma as described in the article should be compared to chronic pain and pain following surgical procedures or tissue damage casued by disease. No one will convince anyone with neuropathy in their feet, which is caused by the damage of nerve filbers from sugar and or poor circulation that some distraction will allow them to be oblivious to that kind of pain.
Now, I am tonight looking for something to try new for my neck, shoulder and arm pain that does not respond to the brain blocking qualities attributed to these medications. This is not so either. They work work for some types of pain but clearly not for what I am dealing with. I did find the Nueorontin and Lyrica can hold my neuropathy from one dose to another while neither does anything for the underlying cause.
Enough said in background information. What science needs to do is work with a panel of real sufferers and work on pain relief that is not habit forming and does not adversely affect the quality of life so that attention can be placed on curing diseases and correct afflections in the nervous system that cause pain.
If we know that chickens lay eggs and eggs can hatch into baby chickens, do we need to know or re-invent an explanation for why chicken lay eggs before we get on to how to building a nest or coupe to laid their eggs in. One course to remain so primitive that we do not enter the modern age of enlightenment. The other is to acknowledge that some truths are true and the next step is to find solutions and stop investigating assumptions that suggest the true we all know is not real.
If their are bio-scientist who do not believe pain is real or that we can all have mind over matter and distract ourselves, they need to be put to pasture or sent out to watch the chickens lay real eggs.
Thanks...your story reminds me of my mother's, who had degenerative disk disease, among myriad other auto-immune disorders, in addition to multiple back surgeries for the DDD and extensive spinal stenosis.
She DID finally find a medicine that worked for her. Please read my comment a couple of comments down the page.
I hope some measure of wellness for you.
If distraction is the most powerful pain releiver why bother to use anesthesia for surgery and drugs like fentanyl and morphine and lidocaine for burn victims?
I friend who are worked in hosptial burn units told me just this week to use music, loud music to help with my pain. When burn patients' bandages are changes and wounds are clean loud music used as a distraction. I say it is used to help them from going crazy hearing their own screams and to help the doctors and nurse cope by drowning out those screams and cries. The pain this distraction is being used for in this instance is mental pain and anguish by patients and their caregivers during procedures.
Why would this assertion be made to a world of people with chronic pain and pain following procedures and surgeries known to create extension pain for a prolonged period of time? The title of the article was most misleading. I find authors doing this to get their work read and at the expense of the audience.
Shame on him and his theory. All he has is trash thinking based on some limited observations of acute situations. Some chronic low grade pain can be dealth with some distraction and other care. Putting forth the general aseertion could be dangerous as it would mislead people with medical conditions that require attention to use distraction for much longer than is wise. I can give many examples where the delay in attempting self care and ignoring pain by working harder, longer and with new exciting things or people (distractions) leads to great harm and delay in care of treatable conditions to the extent that people do not seek care early enough to save a limb, their eyesight, hearing or their life.
You are exactly right. Please note the comment I made after yours, if you like. The proponent of this theory obviously has never experienced the very condition he asserts to be able to alleviate. I would like to have a chat with the him after he's experienced chronic, debilitating pain for, say, 5 years or so. I guarantee he'd change his tune after a mere 5 HOURS.
The example of playing loud music "for" burn vicitims absolutely horrifies me. Anyone who's ever been in pain knows how badly annoying stimuli can worsen the pain. If I ever saw such a thing being done to a loved one, the ones doing the tormenting--which is exactly what it is--would learn the meaning of chronic pain. Such "therapy" is sickening barbarism, and only unconscionable, psychopathic doctors could experiment like that.
This article highlights the disconnect between people who suffer chronic pain and people who make decisions for people who suffer based on "expertise". My mother suffered debilitating chronic pain for years, not only from repeated back surgeries, but also from auto-immune disorders which plagued her later in life. She forced herself into distractions such as gardening, playing the piano, religion, etc. Her life was a living hell for ten years until she was put on methadone, which was nearly a wonder drug for her. (Unfortunately, not long after finally finding some pain relief, she "acquired" a post-operative infection in her spine, then was paralyzed by her quack doctor when he went in to clean it out. She spent two months languishing in various facilities until she came home and died under hospice care. Long live the current medical establishment.)
This "Theory of Distraction" as I call it--for it IS only a theory--is akin to the kind of insensitivity and lack of practical experience required for people like my mother's nurses who would tell her that nerve pain was "all in her mind." Yeah.
If the proponents of this sort of garbage want to include it in a holistic approach towards pain counseling, then wonderful. But to even suggest that everyday distractions or hobbies can have the same analgesic effect on chronic pain as in the "fire" story above is not only ridiculously misleading, but downright malpractical.
And any doctor who suggests to chronic pain sufferers that "distraction therapy" (my term) can replace tried-and-true medications, which is akin to telling them their pain is all in their head, are quacks who should have their licenses pulled.
I have to agree that this article is extremely disappointing and obvously written by someone who has never been in chronic pain. I have been dealing with chronic pain from spinal cord damage for several years now. I clicked on this article hoping to find something new that could help. Instead it just frustrated me and by getting me a little POed at the author, made my pain worse. For those who have not experienced it or noticed it, stress makes pain worse. While trying to distract yourself can provide short term relief from mild aches and pains, it does little to help when you are dealing with moderate to severe chronic pain.
I am currently having difficulty because the opiods have pretty much stopped working effectively. I have always had a high tolerance to these drugs and it has hit the point where the doctor has pretty much run out of options. Of course since I m also on disability, the options that he can try are limited by what medicare will cover - although if I could find something that really worked I would gladly pay out my own pocket (within reason of course). If anyone knows of any alternatives to the usual fentanyl patches, oxycontin, morphine, demerol, dilaudid, etc. please let me know.
So, some genius came up with "distraction" as the best pain relief. I'm 73 years old, have a fair amount of education; math through calculus; straight "A"; Glendale Community College, Glendale, Arizona. I have osteoarthritis in both knees; and have been on Oxycodone-APAP, 10-325 since 1997. I am in severe pain after taking a fall, and I'm most certainly aware of the power of distraction. If this genius, who finds distraction to be an adequate remedy for chronic pain, would work to relieve our nearly totally inadequate Controlled Substance Laws revised and eliminated; he would also be a hero. This country verges on "facism." Making me experience this pain, now back in a wheelchair, living in a pig sty, unable to prepare food, just don't want to move because of the pain. Just wish this distraction genius could walk in my shoes. Thats the problem, the wealthy can purchase any drug they need, most obvious, Michael Jackson; but they don't want the poor and old like myself to become addicted; these are nasty attorneys, who write and enact these punitive drug laws. It will take some time, but I do legal work for my hobby. I think these drug laws being imposed on my doctor and I are unconstitutional, and inhumane, at my age. I have successfully sued under Title 42, Section 1983; and my cases are on "Google" and "Bing" search engines; type in my name, Larry Beedle. Maybe I can use this distraction theory to show the bigotry and callousness of the medical field. I'm presently reviewing the Federal Controlled substance Act; then I'll review Oklahoma law, and believe me I'll find enough evidence, fact and law, to show how my Constitutional rights are being violated; and show the damages (pain), through x-ray, and general medical knowledge. Thank you; this article on distraction really shows the niavte of the medical and legal fields; like little children.
Get your doctor, which seems to have his hands tied as far as pain meds go, to refer you to a pain clinic. Mine is associated with my hospital. The pain doctor will require you to see him every month and only give you a month supply of pills. But he will work with you and try different pain meds and find which ones work the most on your pain. I also go to a pain therapist, which really helps. They really do understand the lack of quality of life you are going through. I am far from well off, and I make payments on any balances I owe.
I'm sure if any of doctors that recommend distraction, were in the pain you are in, they would be the first ones running to get pain meds. Until they walk in your shoes they just don't realize what constant pain does to our body and minds.
God bless and good luck.
Considering the strong reactions that my article continues to generate, I thought that I should call your attention to a sharepost that was overlooked years ago when this article was first published. Please read this unsolicited story that offers a message of inspiration and hope. There is truth in the power of distraction, but sometimes the truth hurts.
"I think there is truth in your article..." by Moonie.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
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bull crap! all those situations was due to a powerful adrenilen rush and I dont think thats going to happen during pottery class!
NO not bull, I can get rid of all my pain and alergies just by playing the piano. This distracts my mind from the world around me and all my pain is gone at the time.
If we can figure out what machinism in the brain activates when doing creative activities we could cure pain that way.
Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with the power of the mind. I bet you play the piano beautifully.
May the music never stop.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
luv answer
I agree. I have Basal Joint Arthritis in the hands, back, knees & shoudlers. The only thing that medicare will cover (with Dr. notes & tests) is oxymorphone and I still go into the donut hole. I take oxymorphone & Aleve three times a day, and I still hurt. I live in Fl. and eveybody comes here to get opiats. It screws it up for us people who do need the meds. I would like to be pain free and money in my pocket rather take the meds. Go back to work? That got me here in the frist place! Also try to get a job, you fail the urine test even you have a RX, they still won't hire you because they think that your a risk. I wish I could give them (the employers) so they could get a taste of it. With meds I can funtion normally, without it the pain would cause more risk to me and my fellow employees'.