Chronic pain and anxiety

[James d]

Hi newbie here

wonder if anyone has had a similar experience that I am having it started around 10 months ago with a sharp stabbing pain right side of lower back happen a few times like when get up from sitting down or getting out of bed when moving take your breath away kind of pain ever since that happened I have had aching/ discomfort on my right side ribs front and back that radiates around to right abdomen under ribs it’s worse when sitting in the car feels like something pushing up to rib at front but nothing there have had every test under the sun and all come back ok only a bit of degenerative wear and tear spinal area doctors etc saying it’s muscoskeletal pain had chiro / physio/ massage with only minor relief my anxiety is through the roof it just won’t go away it’s affecting my life dramatically I don’t know what to do if anyone else has similar please reply

[Sophie_M]

Hey James,

Welcome to Beyond Blue forums and thanks for posting here. We're really sorry to hear about your chronic pain and anxiety. It sounds very difficult and it's understandable how it's impacting your anxiety as well. We hope you can find some advice and support from our wonderful community.

We'd encourage you to reach out to our Support Service anytime at 1300 224 636 to talk to a counsellor about what you are experiencing and perhaps they will be able to give you suggestions and resources for what you can do.

Pease do keep posting here to let us know how you're doing, whenever you feel up to it.
 

[Miz]

Hi James,

Sorry to hear you've been going through this - the pain sounds unbearable! I can certainly understand why your anxiety would be high....have you thought of seeing a psychologist to help manage the pain. I know there are chronic pain specialists who can help you find ways of coping. Otherwise, sometimes gentle body exercises such as yoga or stretching can sometimes do wonders for the body - meditation can also be used to manage pain. I know there are some special breathing exercises which can alleviate the pain a bit and provide relief to your anxiety as well. https://www.meditainment.com/pain-management-meditation Here is an example.

Here if you need to talk more. Stay strong.

[Sophia16]

Hey James,

Welcome to the forums!

I am really sorry about what you are going through. It looks like you are in a lot of pain.

My aunty went through something similar. She went to every doctor, physio and even did acupuncture and nothing worked. She finally saw a psychologist and that changed everything.

Your pain is probably due to something psychological and you will most likely want to see a health psychologist for it. Pain is linked to your brain.

Stay safe, and hope this helps.

[James d]

Hi miz

thanks for the reply

I am seeing a pain specialist at the moment sending me for mri scan of the spine to rule out

that’s the only scan I haven’t had as yet so doing that this week and finding a physiologist at the moment only problem is due to covid they are busy and some that have been suggested are not taking any more clients this year so I’m still looking

yes thought I might try yoga etc thanks so much for the link I will definitely try

it’s just so frustrating it’s been going on so long and I’m feeling it all the time and every Avenue explored has come up with no cause

[James d]

Hi Sophia

thanks for your reply

yes it is always there and aches etc all the time

ok so your Aunty had similar issues and she is pain free now ?

I’m looking for a psychologist at the moment the drs etc are saying the anxiety magnify the pain

[Petal22]

Hi James d,

Wellcome to our forums!

Sorry you are feeling this way, I understand chronic pain can be very debilitating.

Have you a current pain management specialist?

I know someone who lives with chronic pain….. they have just learned to manage it the best way that they can.

You could do a mental health plan with your gp this will enable you to see a psychologist who can give you many strategies for anxiety…….. I suffered severe anxiety OCD but have now recovered my gp put me on a antidepressant to help me to manage my anxiety and I also did therapy.

Im here to chat

[James d]

Hi petal22

thanks for your reply

yes it is very debilitating

I am seeing a pain specialist at the moment

it seems trying to manage it is what’s being suggested as no cause has been found that’s the most frustrating part of it
looking into psychologist with GP