As a chronic pain sufferer, I know just how difficult it is to be active due to fatigue.  Perhaps you experience the same problem for lack of sleep or high pain levels as I do.  Every day is a challenge . New information was given to me by my pain specialist of 3 years that a recent study has proven that there is a certain chemical released in the body when we experience pain, especially found in the neck and shoulder muscles that can be metabolized and released from the body through exercise.  As explained to me, if we do something simple like a low paced walk 3 times a week, it will help get the toxins out of the body and provide natural pain relief.  The key is not how fast we walk but the distance we walk.  Along with getting moving, he encouraged me to be sure to get my daily water intake in to help move the toxins from the bloodstream to be filtered through the kidneys and out of the body.

I have done as my doctor suggested and I have to tell you that it has made a noticeable change in my life.  I am less depressed, the pain level did go down half in percentage, and I felt more energy.  It is just amazing and makes it easier to motivate myself to continue because the pay off is so rewarding.

First I started in my neighborhood and walked to the point that I could comfortably return home.  I did this three days.  The following week, I added a little more distance by about a third of what I had previously walked and continued this process each week. My goal is to be able to increase my walking to every day.  Rainy days are not a problem although pain levels increase.  I follow the forecast closely and plan where I will walk and how to medicate for the day to reduce my pain levels.  Weather that used to keep me inside now offers me an option of getting my walk on in a grocery story.   It’s true!  This is totally acceptable because the goal is to get moving.  If I am in a grocery store, I start on the outside isles and make a complete circle 2 times around.  I have to admit that I put in a few items in my cart so shoppers don’t think I have lost my mind. Lol  Then I walk up and down each and every isle adding items in my cart that are on my grocery list.

So lets do this together!  Let’s get moving and get some control over the pain and refuse to let it dictate the day.  Remember, building distance is key not how fast you can complete your route.  Keep in mind your pay off. Don’t give into the pain rather find the strength to do this for yourself.  Move and manage your pain on another level!  We are going to do this together.  You are not alone.

The challenge is as follows;  Most of us have to rate our pain on a scale 1 to 10 at the doctor’s office.  One being no problem and ten being, “I need to go to the ER, this is unbearable.”  Journal how you feel before you walk and after you return.  Rate your pain level each time you journal.

Week 1:  Pick three days that you will dedicate the time to walk a short distance each day

Walk some place that brings a pleasurable slow paced walk rather alone or with your family or perhaps a friend. 

Week. 2:  Increase your distance by about a third.  Don’t forget to get in the habit of keeping up with the weekly forecast.  You will not only plan where you will walk, you will plan how you will need to medicate so that you can manage your daily pain to put yourself in control not the pain!  Don’t forget to journal prior to your walk and after.

Week 3:  Increase your distance by another third.  Don’t forget to journal and rate your pain levels

Week 4:  Add another day making your walk 4 days a week.

Share your experiences and suggestions with us.  What are your triumphs or your struggles? We want to hear from you.

By your side,

Alexnikki