When individuals share a common characteristic, there forms a certain understanding between said individuals. This can be true for those with chronic pain. Data obtained from the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies writes that approximately 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Pain occurs when the nervous system sends agonizing signals to let you know that something possibly dangerous may be occuring to your body. Chronic pain is similar, except that the pain may continue for many months on end. There are many underlying causes for chronic pain, and everyone’s experiences with it can be different. Even so, there are still many daily activities that only chronic pain sufferers can generally understand. Here are ten of those common things.

There are many everyday activities that people without chronic pain may be able to easily complete, but for those with chronic pain, it is not a simple task. One such activity is getting up in the morning. Jenni Prokopy, a woman who writes about her journey with chronic pain, talks about her experience with waking up and says, “My feet, my arms, my shoulders, my neck, and my back have an overwhelming feeling of pain, and every step that I take hurts.” This is different compared to people who just want to stay in bed because it is too comfortable.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, another hardship for chronic pain sufferers is the inability to fall asleep due to extreme discomfort. Even during the time between being awake and being asleep, actions people may accomplish without even thinking can be hard for chronic pain sufferers, such as finding comfortable clothing to wear. There are certain articles of clothes that may intensify the pain, such as elastic waistbands. A fourth thing activity may be performing chores or even standing in line. Both tasks can too physically draining to complete. 

Meanwhile, there are also social and mental events that those experiencing chronic pain can agree upon. One such recurrence is that sometimes, others can berate these sufferers, stating how it can just be in their head. Just like with anything that exists, there will be criticism. People may say that sufferers can be faking it just because the sufferers may not appear ill. A sixth common feeling is the understanding that the pain does not go away and it may not even gradually diminish. While the pain itself may not disappear, sufferers may slowly learn how to handle and deal with the pain. A seventh recurrence is when people repeat potential “solutions” to the sufferers. Unless the person is familiar with chronic pain, sufferers do not wish to hear how to “get better.” While they appreciate when others are trying to be helpful, it can be tiring to hear the same suggestions over and over again. An eighth thing is that the chronic pain can be different from a day to day basis. There may be days where sufferers may be able to perform certain tasks and other days where the person may be experiencing too much pain to do the same exact task. One thing sufferers do not want to hear is, “Why couldn’t you do that before?”

Still, not everyone with chronic pain is miserable. A ninth thing is that sufferers want others to know that being healthy and being happy are different. While sufferers do not wish to have chronic pain, it does not mean that they are not content with life. A tenth thing is that sometimes, there are times where sufferers can have good days. While the pain is not going away, there may be a lucky day where one may feel like they are dealing with the pain better. That is a day where sufferers may try to be as productive as they can be.

Every chronic pain sufferers’ experience is different, and while some may agree on some or most of the points listed in this article, others may not agree with any at all. Still, as individuals with a common characteristic, there is a certain understanding between the community. An understanding that outsiders, including myself, may never fully understand.

References:

http://www.painmed.org/patientcenter/facts_on_pain.aspx

https://www.prevention.com/health/symptoms-chronic-pain

http://www.lifehack.org/362758/20-things-only-people-with-chronic-pain-can-relate

https://www.spine-health.com/blog/open-letter-a-person-chronic-pain