CSA Physio Blog

Is chronic pain stopping you from actively living your life?

Lindsay Walker

PT (Physiotherapist)

Hope for chronic pain

I enjoy anything that keeps me moving and active.  When I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that attacks my spine – it felt like the end of the world.  Because of my chronic pain, there are some days when I can barely walk to the bathroom.  Other days I can do a 10km hike with little difficulty.

Activity Modification

A part of chronic pain is adaptation – sometimes that can mean lifestyle changes.  I played rugby throughout high school and a part of university.  This was probably not the best idea for someone with chronic back issues.  I loved doing yoga and practiced it up to five times a week.  Until I realized that it wasn’t changing my back pain (in fact, was making it worse!)  But I cut it down to 1-2 days a week, and combined it with a lot of core work and exercises (and rest!). That became a part of the success in keeping my pain under control.

When to seek treatment

Chronic pain doesn’t necessarily mean an autoimmune condition or a debilitating disease – it can be periodic shoulder problems or re-occurring ankle issues.  Sometimes it means changing activities (switching from a weight bearing activity like running, to biking or swimming) or adapting at home (not carrying heavy groceries or hauling laundry up the stairs).  As well, it can mean having appropriate physiotherapy treatment, and recognizing when you should seek out that treatment.

How ever you need to modify things – it doesn’t matter if you enjoy walking or high intensity training, or if you need assistance balancing your everyday activities – I’ve been through it, and I can help.

Lindsay