Distraction Reduces Pain Signals in Spinal Cord

By Karen Lee Richards, Health Guide Thursday, May 24, 2012

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Many of us with chronic pain have noticed that when we get deeply involved in a task that requires concentration, we don't notice our pain as much. I always figured that was because we were focusing our minds on the task at hand rather than on the pain. But according to the findings of a recent two-p...

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TechnoMom

5/24/12 1:06pm

I've been using roleplaying games to cope with pain for years, especially at the worst times. I was fortunate to have a world-class gamemaster as my life partner for 14 years, and he was very patient and creative. I also do counted thread needlework, which works quite well but is more difficult because there are times when my hands are shaking or my vision is too blurry. Fiction is a good escape, too, with audiobooks being a true gift when my eyes are too blurry to read print. I've discovered the joys of a type of computer game I enjoy in the last year, too, hidden object puzzles. I think there are options for everyone!

Mariepi

5/24/12 1:15pm

With the daily pain, the one that take residence in the end of the afternoon, keeping my hand busy ,like knitting, chrochet, help a lot if I have to count my stitches, when the pain is worst # 4+ I go to a complicated project that I wish to finish one day but it is so complicated that my brain doesn't have time for anything else, I get frustrated, undo a lot it's like 2 steps ahead and one back but I want to win in that war, I will get it done one day I am determined.

I have lots of problems with numbers (dyscalculia) In the last years, sometimes I can't count up to 10 without forgetting where I was at ! ...That sound crazy but it definitely works on the pain. With the bad pain #6 I can't even think about doing something.

I paint, loosing myself in that process will do it's act on the pain too but not as much as counting stitches and rows. So, I agree with that study 100% but that is not new stuff. 10 years ago I went to a pain management clinic and distraction was the # 1 tool with pain. I am on the same dosage of pain meds I was 9 years ago, I believe that the tools I acquired over the years helped me a lot. I have a cousin with similar chronic pain then I , she doesn't do a thing other than rest in bed watch TV, take pain meds and complaint all the time. I tried to get her to learn something new, no way she won't. She says that my pain must be less then hers !!! Could be true but....Help yourself and the sky will help you our grand ma used to say.

Redhen1919

5/31/12 3:57pm

I went to a comprehensive pain management clinic and learned about activities to distract me so my pain isn't so overwhelming. I know that I been have able to maintain a lower dosage of medication because I learned these techniques. In the past I used Guide imagery and would I listen to a cd. I now put myself in a mind-state where I visually imagine I am in a place of peace and safety. This helps me fall asleep. I find that reading, needlework, drawing also help. Talking to other people helps a lot. I discovered that being assertive instead of being someone's punching bag or door mat helps reduce my pain. When I am really upset I find a place where I can scream and yell or I write about my anger and frustration. My new tablet reader has improved my quality of life. It is much easier to hold and use than a book and I can increase the font when necessary. Also puzzle books especially the logic puzzles keep my mind busy.

Distraction Reduces Pain Signals in Spinal Cord

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