Re: Effects of Meditation for Pain Control
Namaste ji,
I'm so sorry to hear about your back and sciatic nerve, NayaSurya. I know a few people in a similar situation, and have seen how much they suffer when it gets bad. I'm glad you have ways to deal with it that are helpful to you, finding that is difficult for so many. Hugs in return, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
By way of an update, nearly a week and a half later my mobility is no better and have some further loss of function due to pain while performing certain movements and tasks. So, off to the hand and wrist specialist. I was lucky to get the same doctor I saw 4 years ago regarding an issue with my left wrist which two other doctors couldn't fix - but this doctor did. He also warned me that because of that being a third attempt I might lose range of motion and may never get full strength back in that wrist - but I did get both back and I attribute that to his skill. Great doc! If anyone ever needs such a specialist in the Boston area, let me know and I'll give out his name.
Anyway, it is definitely an ulnar dislocation with some ligament and nerve trauma. He did an unpleasant but necessary manipulation and had it splinted up. Instructions are not to take it off except to bathe, total rest and immobility, I can perform any functions that do not cause pain or aggravation but anything that does cause these things I must avoid. I go back in 4 weeks at which time he will assess if I need surgery.
I asked about my concern regarding not really having pain at time of injury and just carrying on, and not really having too much pain unless I did something that would aggravate it.
He reassured me that this was actually quite common, particularly in active people. He says he's seen it a lot, and told me the most extreme example he has seen in his own practice was a woman who fractured her elbow in a fall from her bike during a triathlon. She got up and completed the triathlon, thinking it was just a bad bruise or pull, and even then went on a rock climbing trip. When she finally got back she decided to go to a doctor. By then it was bad enough that she needed surgery, but at no time did it feel so bad to her that it impeded her activity. So, he was not surprised at all to learn about my own experience. He agrees that the mind can play tricks and if the brain is not particularly concerned about a potential injury then your experience of pain will not be so great.
I am relieved, to say the least. And it seems that while my meditation practice has certainly helped, it may not be the main reason for that experience. :)
My thanks again to all who offered their thoughts and experience.
~Pranam
Re: Effects of Meditation for Pain Control
Namaste,
Quote:
Does anyone have experience with this, and possibly advice? Is this okay? I find it kind of troubling.
I've been meditating for as long as I can remember. I haven't fallen ill in almost two decades, I have better stamina than people half my age and I can fast for days without feeling any weakness.
I think, it should be okay. The only trouble is that I don't get the pampering others get when they get sick. :(
Pranam.
Re: Effects of Meditation for Pain Control
As far as medical problems are concerned, only perfected Yogis can completely conquer pain and illness through meditation. For the rest of us, what is advisable is combining our spiritual practice with medical care. That medical care can be natural medical care through massage, chiropractic, Aryuveda and other disciplines, but some medical care would be advisable.
As far as wrist pain is concerned...if you want to try a natural method, I would look into massage therapy and chiropractic. And when engaged with them, ask them if there are stretches and exercises that you can do. You can also ask if ice or heat is a good idea. And if some kind of salve will help.
Might also want to inquire about soaking the wrist in bath salts.
As far as traditional medicine goes, I think your best bet would be to go with a sports medicine doctor, as they are far more familiar with injuries than just any old doctor.
Best of luck.