The exterior bubble

The effects of the environment have been in vogue in the current scenario. Lifestyle changes and achieving work-life balance have gained importance. We have been indulging in diet plans, exercise regimes, yoga, mediation, therapy of different kinds, mindfulness, and everything that we find tasteful and gives us hope. It plays an interesting role in chronic pain.

Now, what comprises the environment. To make things more comprehensive let us divide this into two categories. The physical environment and the emotional environment. The physical environment is where we reside. The house, the air, the roads, vehicles we drive, the workplace, commuting distance, basically anything that is more or less tangible. The emotional component of this is the social groups we are a part of, our families, friends, co-workers, the working class, basically things and people that affect our lives. It throws light upon what we choose and in what manner.

The physical effects may start the cycle of pain to a large extent. Injuries acquired, make a lasting impact. This can be falling, road traffic accidents, pollution, infection, surgery to name a few. These are usually associated with tissue injury. Once treated, the tissue heals and the pain should subside. At times, it does not. The memory of the pain can be strong enough to subconsciously keep us reminded of the fateful event. This memory can turn into chronic pain. This leads to coping mechanisms like avoiding certain activities, not doing things that would otherwise be enjoyable, not forgetting the fear of pain. There has to be awareness in understanding and consciously remembering that the tissue has healed and it is now the memory and the nerve pathway that emulates the same effect, not actual injury.

The emotional. Chronic pain works both ways. It is affected by the world and it also affects the world around us. Being in pain and seeing someone in pain have very similar effects. Being in pain makes us neglect ourselves in all ways because we are so caught up with pain. It affects our social life, our ability to move around, even doing things that we enjoy doing like a sport, a trek, or even having a good time at a social gathering. Inability to do what one likes leads to further emotional letdowns. It turns into a vicious cycle. This absence and loss of interaction lead to a stigma. Society finds it burdensome at times. This is where the family steps in. Their support helps us thrive through these testing times. The family is also affected by the same monster of chronic pain. It is worrisome. The road to recovery is easier and probably faster while working as a unit. The one suffering and the one taking care are both stressed. Awareness and understanding each other’s point of view can be very reassuring.

The environment cannot be the sole causative factor of chronic pain. It affects the fabric of pain. The intensity, the course, and the ability to cope with this tiresome issue largely depend on it. The need of the hour is staying and sailing together one step at a time through this.