If you have been dealing with back pain, have you ever spoken with someone who has a similar condition? If you have met with people with similar spinal issues, you may have noticed that many people experience pain in different ways, and that different folks have different pain tolerances.
An article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences describes a gene which has been identified as SCN9A which plays a role in how you tolerate pain. Researchers found this gene was ‘underrepresented’ in patients suffering from rare conditions where patients don’t sense pain, and that it was over active in patients who had hypersensitivity to pain.
Now this news is probably not real comfort to you if you are hurting at this very moment. But clearly, there need to be other factors which can influence how you experience pain, otherwise you wouldn’t have ‘good days’ and ‘bad days.’
Here are just a few thoughts on getting more ‘better days.’…
-If you stick around this blog long enough, you will know what a big role I feel psychology has in how you feel. More and more studies cite the importance of the mind-body connection. Knowing this, take a few minutes out of each day to improve your psychology- this can come from meditation, a hobby, reading- doesn’t matter what- JUST DO IT!
-Regular exercise will keep your body ‘lubricated’ and as close to peak as possible. Take a few moments out of your day to work on your fitness.
-Maximize the quality of your sleep. Good sleep gives your body a chance to recharge and recuperate- both physically and mentally.
-Give yourself time for good social interactions- both with your partner/spouse and with friends. These interactions help solidify your feelings of worth and participation in community- key positive emotions.
These are just a sampling of the things you can do. Check back here often for more tips, and if you have specific questions or comments about your personal situation send ‘em in- as always, your contributions are what keep this place interesting!
Be well!
-Andy
My father & I with the late, great Oscar Peterson- the greatest jazz pianist ever.
