Understanding and improving our stress response to reduce pain and suffering
Having lived with chronic pain from dystonia for over 20 years, I spent most of that time focused on treating the physical symptoms. This has been very important and...
How we can relate more effectively to our pain
If you live with any form of pain, I’m hoping the following information will be of help. Many of us look at pain the wrong way that exacerbates our...
Cervical Dystonia: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning and Coping
I am honored to share a guest blog by Apurva Zawar, PT, DPT, GCS. She is the founder and owner of BeyondRehab, a digital Neuro-Rehab & Wellness clinic. I...
They Don’t Know What They Don’t Know: Learning to Manage Judgement and Criticism from Others When Living with a Chronic and Debilitating Condition
In my last blog, I talked about the difficulty being understood by others when living with a chronic health condition and the challenges that come with it. You can...
“I understand, but I also don’t understand” – A message to everyone about chronic health issues
A few days before a recent family gathering, I had a flare up in pain and other symptoms of dystonia that prevented me from attending. One of my relatives...
Perspective on pain and suffering – Is it all in our head? Powerful words from a fellow patient
As many of you know, I have lived with a painful neurological movement disorder called dystonia for the past 22 years. Utilizing different treatments, therapies, extensive self-care and plenty...
What’s the best thing we can do when we are in pain?
In a word, nothing. In two words, don’t panic. In two other words that are the same but are more positive and action oriented…be calm. Let me explain…when we...
How photography helps take my mind off my pain from dystonia
I have lived with dystonia (a neurological movement disorder) and chronic pain for over 20 years. The very active life prior to dystonia is night and day compared to...
How do we move beyond pain and suffering?
We have all at one time or another experienced pain and suffering of some kind. I sure have, living with dystonia for over 20 years, the first 5 of...
How resilient are you? Probably more than you think and give yourself credit
Having lived with chronic pain and involuntary muscle contractions from a neurological movement disorder called dystonia since 2001, I felt defeated many times. But I am still here battling...
Managing an overly stimulating environment to protect our health
The other day I read a post in a dystonia support group that is similar to something I see and hear very often. I’m sure you have as well,...
Chronic Pain Doesn’t Need to Take Over Your Life
Many Americans suffer from chronic pain. A study by doctors from Massachusetts reveals that 50.2 million adults experience it on a daily basis. Their pain often appears in the back, hips,...
The power of our inner dialogue on our health
I believe very strongly in the power of thoughts and words as it relates to my health. I say this because I have lived with a painful chronic neurological...
