A Magic Pill

A Magic Pill: Chronic Pain Treatment

Cazandra Campos-MacDonald is an author, nationally recognized speaker, columnist, advocate, and encourager.

By: Cazandra Campos-MacDonald

I wish there were a magic pill to cure illness.

If someone is diagnosed with diabetes, take a pill and no more diabetes. If someone has cancer, take a pill, and cancer is gone. Even the common cold. Take a pill, and it is done. Wishful thinking. Living with chronic pain has taught me that no pill or procedure can cure my pain. 

With the help of numerous therapies and persistence, I have found a way to function in the world, but it takes a lot of work. Below are some of the tools and resources that have helped me. Maybe there’s one or two that could work for you as well.

Medication was the answer, in the early days of my journey with chronic pain. I took prescription pain pills when necessary and rarely needed refills. While working with an interventional pain specialist, I received injections into my spine, which helped for a short time. These injections only provided minimal relief and are no longer part of my treatment plan. As for pain medication, I take scheduled doses each day to maintain my level of comfort.

Physical therapy is one of the most valuable tools I use to manage pain. I have several exercises that are designed to help stretch my body. I engage in specific exercises that help me get my pain to a more manageable place, even during severe flare-ups. These stretches always help.

For my care, I must be diligent. I keep to a regular care schedule by seeing my chiropractor at least twice a month, if not more frequently. The chiropractor uses a much gentler approach using an activator rather than “cracking” my back. I also recently started acupuncture therapy. I work to schedule a chiropractic appointment one week with the next week planned for acupuncture. I recently asked my acupuncturist what percentage of his practice is treated for chronic pain. He told me it was at least 80%. I had no idea the number was so high.

I always thought a hot tub was a luxury, but it has proven the best purchase I have ever made. Soaking daily helps keep my pain under control. Regular soaking is good for my body and mind, as it helps me unwind from the day, and it provides a way for my family to come together to check-in after a long day, which is a beautiful benefit. 

The toll that chronic pain takes on my emotional well-being is tremendous. There are times when I cannot hold back my tears because my pain is in high gear. I begin to feel depressed and anxious and can quickly spiral out of control. To keep my mental health in check, I see a therapist regularly. Putting words to my pain helps me release some of the power my pain has over my life.

Another method of keeping my pain under control deals with diet and exercise. After losing almost 70 pounds, I hoped there would be a significant relief regarding my pain levels. I was surprised that I did not have as much relief as anticipated. However, keeping my weight under control and eating well helps me feel better all around.

A new method I recently added to my regular care is therapeutic massage. For several years I could not relax and enjoy a massage because my pain was too intense. I can now tolerate an hour-long massage and found a great massage therapist. This is helping quite a bit.

Finally, the method I use that is most controversial is medical cannabis. I held a medical cannabis card for at least three years, which allowed me to purchase medical-grade marijuana, and yet I was too afraid to use it. The stigma of being a “dope fiend” or “pothead” was something I did not want to endure. I finally learned how and when to use cannabis. It is not that cannabis takes the pain away; it helps me not let my pain get complete control of my body. Cannabis helps keep my anxiety in check. When my pain is at an elevated level, staying calm through the pain is difficult. Cannabis helps me manage my way through the pain. 

It has taken me several years to gather the tools I need to manage my pain. One method that works for one may not work for another. It is disheartening when a proven method of pain relief does not work. I encourage those living with chronic pain to stay vigilant. Talk to a doctor who can help discern various methods that may give relief. Do the research, ask questions, and most importantly, hold on to hope that things will improve.

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The Pain Podcast is presented by Tremeau Pharmaceuticals.

Tremeau’s RESET-HA Study is a clinical research study for people who experience joint pain due to hemophilia. If you are interested in learning more about taking part in Tremeau’s RESET-HA study, visit resethastudy.com