Chronic pain can affect your mood, your daily life and how you feel overall. But there are many ways to feel better and recover.

Paying close attention to your thoughts and how you move can change the way you experience your pain and your body. This can make a real difference in your life.

Words matter more than you think

Words help us communicate, but they can also make pain feel worse. For example, hearing terms like “bone on bone” or “bulging disks” can make you think, “My body is broken” or “I’m fragile.” These thoughts can make your pain and suffering worse. Research has shown that expecting the worst can increase how much you suffer.

Noticing these thoughts—and working to think differently—can lower fear and suffering. Instead of “I’m broken,” try thinking: “My body has changed, but I can still do the things I enjoy.” Changing your thoughts is one way to feel better. Moving your body is another.

Your body is built to adapt

Your muscles, joints and bones get stronger with exercise. But this works in reverse, too. If you move less because you’ve been told your body is fragile, or because moving hurts, you can become weaker over time. This can make it easier to get hurt doing everyday tasks.

Many Veterans tell us they’re waiting for their pain to go away before they start exercising. But waiting can slow down recovery. Instead, becoming more active little by little is one of the best ways to calm down an overly sensitive nervous system. It helps you get stronger, feel more confident, and lowers your risk of future injury. You can be sore and safe at the same time.

Mindfulness can help

Mindfulness is a powerful tool. It helps calm your nervous system and helps you be more intentional with your thoughts and movements. With regular practice, it can lead to real, positive changes in your brain, body and life. Ready to try it?

Watch this 13-minute Mindfulness for Chronic Pain video, led by Hang Ruan, LICSW, from VISN 20 Clinical Resource Hub.

Learn more about Whole Health for Pain Management and be on your way to a more fulfilling life.