Women and Chronic Pain
I have a theory on women and chronic pain. I believe that women were made to endure extreme pain, in short bursts, where we know there will be an end. Childbirth. Extreme pain, 5-12 hours, roughly, then we get a baby in the end. Or, if hit our thumb with a hammer (so cliche) but we know that in a few minutes that pain will subside. We can handle that.
In contrast, men, they typically work long hours, stressful conditions, usually on equipment or working with animals, blacksmithing. They have chronic pain that they don’t really complain about, but tend to deal with well. But, don’t let them hit their thumb with a hammer and have immediate sharp pain, they don’t like that.
“I am very stubborn over my body, I do not let pain or my body dictate to me what I will and will not do.”
I have noticed in my practice that women who are in chronic long term pain tend to be more prone to depression, feelings of hopelessness, like its never ever going to end, anxiety. They search for answers and try to figure it out. Where as men, just get their kids to walk on their backs, go to sleep wake up, and do it all over again.
Do I have to say it? Yes, I realize that this is not something that is set in stone. We are all unique, but in general I have noticed this. I am writing about this because I am in chronic pain, still dealing with my swollen knee and it has been months. I am pretty sure I tore my meniscus. But here is the thing. I can’t let it stop me from living my life, finding joy every day and most of all, keeping up my movement, never stop moving.
Its very important to me to walk. Everyone tells me to stop, and yes, I have slowed down a bit because it is a skating rink out there right now, but being in the trees and seeing beautiful skies and mountains is very crucial to my wellbeing, sore knee or not, that is what is going to get me to the other side of this pain.
I am very stubborn over my body, I do not let pain or my body dictate to me what I will and will not do. Now, do not mistake this for ignoring the pain, no. For in fact, it is the very opposite, I listen to the pain. What is it telling me. Where is the imbalance, what do I need to do, how am I going to exercise this, rebalance, strengthen, ice. What do I need.
To be in pain, is to be human. We are always going to be in one type of pain or another, its the world we live in. I had a client say to me the other day, if we didn’t feel pain after being active it would not be the same. For the pain reminds us of what we did, we pushed ourselves, used our bodies and pain is the reminder, not something to begrudge but to be grateful for.
How I am mentally dealing with my knee? It is with gratitude, for it reminds me to keep moving, to exercise everyday, to never stop, no matter what.
